MOVIE REVIEW
Blueback
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Genre: Drama, Family
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Robert Connolly
Writer(s): Robert Connolly
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg, Liz Alexander, Ariel Donoghue, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson, Erik Thomson, Eddie Baroo, Eric Bana
Where To Watch: opens in theaters in wide release on March 3

RAVING REVIEW: As we all know, the world we live in is facing numerous environmental challenges, from climate change to pollution and the list goes on. BLUEBACK is a visually stunning film that uses the cinematic visuals of the ocean as its backdrop. The film, directed by Robert Connolly and adapted from Tim Winton's novel, offers an important message about protecting our environment and its creatures.

The film tells the story of Abby, played by Mia Wasikowska, a marine biologist who returns to her childhood bay after learning about an emergency with her mother. Memories of her past and her mother's passion for the environment come flooding back, inspiring Abby to go on a mission to continue that legacy. Abby's friendship with a wild blue groper is central to the film; I tried rewording that multiple ways, but that’s the message at its core, and it works.

BLUEBACK features impressive underwater cinematography, and the mechanized puppetry used to bring Blueback, the film's hero, to life is nothing short of remarkable. The film's flash-back narrative structure adds to its nostalgic feel. While the plot may be simple and lacking in complexity, it depicts the power of one person making a difference in their community.

The simplicity and integrity of caring for one's immediate environment are the overarching themes of BLUEBACK. The film encourages us to make small changes in our local communities to have a global impact. It's a perfect family film, offering a beautiful environmental message and a heartwarming story of friendship and connection. I want the level of the story to be deeper but understand the film's purpose.

BLUEBACK was shot on the West Australian coast at Bremer Bay and captured the beauty of the marine world like never before. The casting process was rigorous, but the filmmakers found great actors, Ariel Donoghue and Ilsa Fogg, to play the younger versions of Abby.

BLUEBACK will leave most feeling inspired and uplifted; it encourages us to do our part in protecting the environment and its living creatures. So, grab your popcorn and dive deep into the enchanting marine world of BLUEBACK.

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[photo courtesy of SCREEN AUSTRALIA/ARENAMEDIA]