Bitter and Twisted is a truly impressive Australian indie film that resonates with raw human emotions, quirky humor, and engaging characters. It was released in 2008, and won respectable critical acclaim due to its thoughtful direction, excellent writing and notable performances. The film is directed by Christopher Weekes, it's his debut feature that subtly showcases his expertise in painting a vivid human drama, underlined with humor and sensitivity.

Bitter and Twisted delves deep into the complex matrix of relationships and human emotions resulting from an untimely death. Set in suburban Australia, this intimate family drama unfolds over the course of three years and begins from the sudden and unexpected death of a young man. The film skillfully tackles the sensitive theme of grief, dealing with it in a thought-provoking and sometimes humorous way, uncovering the various ways individuals process, avoid, face or escape grief.

The main characters of the film are the deceased's girlfriend, his brother and their mother. Indigo (Noni Hazlehurst), the mother, is a middle-aged woman dealing with insomnia and the guilt-laden regret of her son’s untimely death. There’s also her surviving, socially awkward son Ben (Steve Rodgers) who is on a rather distraught path of self-breakdown. The dead boy's girlfriend, Emmy (Leeanna Walsman), is struggling with her pain while grappling with personal life decisions.

Each character in Bitter and Twisted in their own way is stuck in the process of grieving, yet the narrative is so deftly crafted that it’s never overbearing. All the characters are easily relatable, tenderly portraying the struggles they face as they make their way through life, trying to reconcile with the pain.

Through its plot and subplot, the movie doesn’t hesitate to explore the often overshadowed tribulations associated with grief, including regret, yearning, desolation, and resilience. The emotional unsteadiness is well-scripted in the narrative and equally well-directed. The mundane is intelligently mixed with the noteworthy, making way for a screenplay that allows its characters to grow, evolve within their deficits, and present a reflection of real human life.

Additionally, the film is crackling with idiosyncratic humor, which works as comic relief, lightening the overall somber atmosphere, and adding a layer of pliancy to the grave theme. With whacky moments thrown into the mix, the film remains buoyant, painting a portrait of life that is as humorous as it is tragic.

Amid the sorrow and confusion, Bitter and Twisted affirms life and seizing one's happiness. Guarantees of tomorrow are never certain, making the now that much more important. This message subtly permeates throughout the film, never losing sight of the human potential for happiness, even in the darkest times.

The performances in the film are noteworthy. Noni Hazlehurst, Steve Rodgers and Leeanna Walsman deliver heart-wrenching performances that are candid and engaging. Hazlehurst’s portrayal of a grieving mother is remarkably genuine, while Rodgers captures the loneliness of his character profoundly. Walsman demonstrates impressive depth in her role as the late boyfriend’s girlfriend, enriching the film with a persuasive depiction of tenderness and torment.

To add to its strengths, the film is also competently shot, making good use of its suburban setting to cultivate an environment that complements its theme and mood. The cinematography by Damian Wyvill is exceptionally capable, capturing the everyday with a precision that brings out its beauty and pathos. Daniel Denholm's score is appropriate and fitting with the emotional beats of the narrative.

Finally, what’s remarkable about Bitter and Twisted is how it steers clear of melodrama, despite its heavy emotional content. The handling of grief is so smoothly integrated into its storyline that it forms a necessary backdrop but never overshadows the characters themselves.

In sum, Bitter and Twisted is a unique blend of an emotional family drama and dark comedy. The narrative is masterfully balanced, with each plot point delicately handling the concept of grief while also recognizing the importance of living in the present. It’s a film about loss, regret, and ultimately, survival – a stark, even if sometimes humorous, reminder of life’s unpredictability. Despite its somber theme, it echoes with rejuvenation and the affirmation that life goes on, no matter the odds. Through its craft and storyline, Bitter and Twisted presents a somber yet enlightening cinematic experience that leaves its audience contemplative.