Review of Heavenly Creatures (1994) by Jc E — 16 May 2011

Where to begin with this one? So, by now, readers of my reviews understand that I have a complicated, shall we say, history with Kate Winslet (The Reader). Don't misunderstand me, I think the woman is beautiful and quite talented; it's just something about her in my subconscious cogitation that troubles me.

Regardless, she's not the reason I saw this movie, despite the fact that this is her cinematic debut. The reason I saw it is because this is a film by Peter Jackson (The Lovely Bones), and it stars Melanie Lynskey (Up in the Air) - also in her cinematic debut.

The film works for a while, developing characters into a sort of coming-of-age film and the strong bond between two teenage girls with big dreams. However, it falls apart shortly thereafter when a quasi-lesbian plot line develops, and the dreams of the two girls collide with reality.

The performances are respectable - especially since the two leads are so young - but it's the writing and direction that disappoint. If you're a fan of Winslet or Lynskey, you'll be pleased to see them as young actresses with lots of potential, but these certainly aren't their best works (see also, 'Finding Neverland' and 'Away We Go' respectively).

If you're a fan of Jackson, you'll be especially disappointed given his more recent works. However, if this is where the Kiwi started, it's nice to see he's developed as a director since then.