Bathing Franky

Bathing Franky is an unusual, riveting, and compelling Australian dramatic film released in 2012. The unique story unfolds beautifully, effectively illustrating the life of the characters, reflecting deep emotional struggles, bouts of humanity, and the redefinition of relationships. Its narrative structure shies away from the traditional path, and instead, takes a more risqué route into the realm of unpredictable storylines. The outstanding performances by Henri Szeps, Maria Venuti, and Shaun Goss impeccably carry this narrative, making it an incredible piece of cinema.

The plot revolves around the rather unusual life of Steve Thompson, played by Shaun Goss, a man down on his luck, grappling with personal issues and life's unpredictabilities. Thompson, ravaged by the economic downturn, finds himself returning to his hometown and reconnecting with his past in a job as a caregiver. His daily chaos turns into a bizarre twist of fate when he is given the charge of Franky, a delirious and elderly woman seemingly trapped in her fantasy world.

Franky, brilliantly portrayed by Maria Venuti, is a lovable character. While perhaps the most obvious thing about Franky is that she is an old woman who thinks she's a two-year-old, there is a lot more than meets the eye. As the story progresses, viewers get to see layers and depths to her character and personal history, taking the audience on an emotional yet light-hearted roller-coaster ride. Venuti excels in the role, constructing Franky as a real, breathing individual with quirks rather than oddities, stirring both tears and laughter in unexpected moments.

Henri Szeps, recognizable for his iconic roles in Australian cinema, is cast in a dual role - playing Franky's late husband Max and the couple's grown son Tom. Although not physically present, Max's influence and connection with the present possess a powerful resonance throughout the film, especially evident through Szeps' deep, nuanced portrayal. The son, Tom, is a complete departure from the absent father figure and portrays a character filled with frustration, yearning, and longing. The spectrum of emotions Szeps manages to bring out through both roles adds an immense depth to the narrative.

Shaun Goss, as Steve, maneuvers his complex character with commendable skill. He exhibits an exceptional range of emotions, from desperation to disbelief to an eventual tender understanding of his bizarre job. His relationship with Franky isn't straightforward; it's filled with awkward bumps but also moments of pure and unexpected warmth. The transformation of his character from a hapless caregiver to someone who genuinely cares and enjoys his responsibilities is heartfelt and moving.

The atmosphere of the film is deeply enriched by its cinematography. Director Owen Elliot and cinematographer Mathew Jenkins, have set the movie in lush green landscapes, depicting the countryside with a raw and natural elegance. The shooting locations never detract from the plot, instead beautifully complementing the narrative progression. The skilled cinematography effectively emphasizes moments of vulnerability, joy, sadness and revelation, making the movie a visual treat.

Bathing Franky seems to have a deeper intent than just being a movie. Its storyline dares to explore themes of mental health care, loss, personal transformation, and how the threads from the past continue to weave into the present. It strikes a balance both as a social commentary and a personal character study, giving the audience much to think about.

It is a compelling exploration of complex human emotions, laden with surprising twists, and generous doses of heart and humor. Microcosmic in scale but grand in its emotional resonance, Bathing Franky comes across as a delightful mix of humor and poignancy, underlining the profound message that relationships and humanity transcend societal norms. It is a beautiful testament to the power of acceptance, the beauty of individual quirks, and the intricate, delicate nature of the human spirit.