Bitter & Twisted

Bitter & Twisted is a 2008 Australian independent drama film directed and written by Christopher Weekes. The film stars Noni Hazlehurst, Steve Rodgers, and Leeanna Walsman in lead roles. It premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June 2008 and was released in Australian theaters in August 2008.

The movie follows Justine (Noni Hazlehurst), the mother of two adult daughters, as she navigates through a life-changing event. Her husband, Andy (Steve Rodgers), is an alcoholic who has never held down a steady job. Despite the constant turmoil in their marriage, Justine has always remained loyal to her husband. Things come to a head when Andy has a severe accident while drunk driving and ends up in a coma.

The film explores the aftermath of Andy's accident, as Justine and her daughters, Lee (Leeanna Walsman) and Gwen (Christopher Weekes), struggle to come to terms with what has happened. Justine is forced to confront her own feelings about Andy and her past, as well as dealing with financial pressures and the needs of her daughters.

The film is a deeply emotional journey that is both poignant and heartbreaking. Justine's character is complex, and Hazlehurst's performance is raw and honest. We see Justine at her most vulnerable, as she grapples with the uncertainty of Andy's fate and the weight of her responsibilities as a mother.

The film also touches on the complicated relationship between siblings, as Lee and Gwen struggle to cope with their father's accident in their own ways. Lee, who is the more practical of the two, takes charge of her father's finances and tries to keep the family afloat. Gwen, on the other hand, falls into a deep depression and finds solace in her father's belongings and memories.

Bitter & Twisted also addresses the issue of alcoholism and its effects on families. The film does not shy away from showing the ugly truths of addiction and the toll it takes on loved ones. Rodgers' portrayal of Andy is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse.

The film's cinematography is beautiful, capturing the stark beauty of the Australian landscape and the emotional intensity of the characters. The score, composed by Amanda Brown, is haunting and evocative, adding to the film's emotional weight.

Overall, Bitter & Twisted is a powerful film that deals with a difficult subject matter with sensitivity and honesty. The performances are outstanding, and the storytelling is both moving and insightful. While it is not an easy film to watch, it is a rewarding and thought-provoking one that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.