2024 (Australia) 94 minutes
Directed by: Adam Elliot
Director Adam Elliot’s exquisitely crafted, beautifully scripted stop-motion animation geared to an adult audience is a basket of wonders, from Elena Kats-Chernin’s brilliant musical score to the voiceover talents of Australian luminaries Sarah Snook (Succession), Eric Bana (Full Frontal) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog). It’s Australia, 1970s. Life is no bowl of cherries for young Grace Pudel and her twin brother Gilbert. Bullied at school, Grace imagines growing a shell, curling her soft center into a ball of protection—just like her beloved pet snail, Sylvia. After their street musician dad dies in a busking accident, Grace is left alone when the twins are shunted off to separate parts of the continent. Enter Pinkie, an ebullient, cigar-smoking octogenarian whose colorful past includes stints as an exotic dancer in a schnitzel bar, ping pong matches with Fidel Castro, and now, a leading role in Grace’s life as her first human friend. Whimsical, irreverent, totally charming.
2024 London Film Festival – Won – Best Film
2024 Mill Valley Film Festival – Won – Animation Award
Northstar Village Cinemas – December 8 – 4:00pm