Looking for Grace

Looking for Grace is a 2015 Australian comedy-drama film directed and co-written by Sue Brooks. The plot follows a middle-aged couple and their search for their rebellious teenage daughter.

The story is set in Western Australia's countryside and begins with a distraught couple, Dan and Denise, who have just discovered that their 16-year-old daughter, Grace, has gone missing. The audience learns that Grace has run away two weeks ago, and no one has been able to find her. The couple tries everything in their power to locate their daughter, but all efforts prove futile. That is until Dan discovers a revealing clue in Grace's room that suggests she may be heading to a particular beach town.

Desperate to find their daughter, Dan and Denise set out on a road trip to the small town where they suspect Grace may be hiding. Along the way, they are forced to confront the cracks in their marriage and their individual secrets. The couple has been married for over 25 years, and their journey to find their daughter becomes a way for them to rediscover their love and connection.

The movie also has a parallel track that follows Grace's journey. It is revealed early on in the film that Grace is on the run with her best friend Sappho. The reason for her flight is mostly due to a misunderstanding that a local boy named Jamie had made sexual advances towards her. When she rejected him, he went on to spread malicious rumors about Grace. This led to Grace feeling shamed and humiliated and running away with her best friend.

The narrative of the movie weaves together these two stories exceptionally well, giving a complete and satisfying resolution by the end. The acting in this film is top-notch, with Radha Mitchell and Richard Roxburgh playing the couple, Dan and Denise. The two actors deliver an excellent performance that is both heartbreaking and relatable. Odessa Young, who plays Grace, gives an excellent performance as a restless and rebellious teenager who yearns for freedom.

What makes Looking for Grace unique is its exploration of the complexities of relationships. The movie is not just about a missing daughter but about the people in her life and how their lives are impacted by her absence. The different relationships we see in the film - between the couple, between Grace and her parents or best friend - all have layers, and the film takes time to explore each of them.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is the beautiful cinematography that captures the Australian landscape exceptionally well. The camera work is beautiful, capturing the vast plains and surrounding countryside. The use of colors and music in the film also helps create an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful.

Overall, Looking for Grace is a beautiful film that explores the themes of family, love, and relationships in a nuanced and sensitive way. The film's characters are relatable and compelling, and the story is poignant and touching. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and complexity of the human experience.