Review of Beautiful Kate (2009) by Thomas W — 01 Jun 2011

Beautiful Kate is a well-acted and multi-layered, Australian drama with such serious subject matter that I believe (well, actually, I KNOW) it would be considered off-putting, distracting and ultimately unforgivable to most people I know (as there would be NO looking-past some of its plot/material).

Based upon a 1982 novel called Cutter's Way by Newton Thornburg that takes place in Chicago, first-time director Rachel Ward (of The Thorn Birds fame) takes it across the Pacific to a small, farm in the Outback.

The story's central character, Ned, is played by Ben Mendelsohn (Australia, Animal Kingdom), who is returning home to bid farewll to his dying father who has been looked after by his younger sister, Sally (Rachel Griffiths - Muriel's Wedding, Brothers & Sisters, Hilary & Jackie).

The father and son have had a strained relationship for years which stemmed from the father's harrowing loss of his prized child, Kate (Ned's twin), and the resulting suicide of their older brother, Cliff.

The subject matter is not light; and this just barely scratches the film's surface as it deals with sibling rivalry, Kate's insatiable sexual curiosity, jealousy, guilt, immorality, obsession, etc.

The film's most redeeming moment comes near the VERY end with an exchange between the two surviving siblings which somewhat erases any feeling of dread/disgust I'd had up to that point. Beautiful Kate is a well-made film -- it could be taxing to some to make it through certain scenes as it does deal with uncomfortable, morally-questionable situations.

I don't want to spoil the film; but I will warn those who are easily offended to stay away.