Review of The Dressmaker (2015) by Kris N — 19 Oct 2016

A jarring film given that the first 3/4 of it are a fairly delightful, quirky comedy. However, just as it seems everything is being appropriately sewn up, the whole thing veers into a Shakespearean tragedy, complete with actual Shakespeare references. It's like two completely different movies stitched together. One is quirky and delightful. A local girl made good who uses her unique skills to mend old fences and bring new life to an otherwise forlorn and destitute town. Pretty standard indie film stuff, but with just enough personality to be enjoyable. Then, suddenly there's this movie about violent revenge and some curse that never gets enough of a setup to warrant the extreme events of the conclusion.

The curse is seemingly important, but is never given that importance in the beginning of the film. Instead, Moorhouse goes hyper artsy in vague flashbacks hinting at a tragic death that led Tilly to leave in the first place. The only problem is that no one seems to be all that bothered by it (or even remember it) when Tilly returns. It's not until the tragic turn that people once against start saying Tilly is cursed. But, as we've seen in flashbacks, there's no real reason for them to call her cursed. From the looks of it, everyone was just really shitty to her, and when something bad happened, she was easy to blame and ship off. No real good reason is ever given for why her and her mother are outcasts. The fact that Tilly was born out of wedlock and doesn't know her father gives her mom the "slut" label. But, it also seems that at least some people know who her father is, which given his identity, should change how they treat Tilly. But, it doesn't. Everyone is just really shitty to her right up until one young woman crosses the proverbial picket line to have Tilly make her a dress. Then everything is just ok, and the movie gets very sweet and happy. All thoughts of revenge seem to be forgotten. Right up until the point something bad happens to someone Tilly likes (by his won doing, by the way). Then, even though no one in the town killed her friend, she goes on an epic revenge rampage. It's such a strange and jarring shift.

Part of me thinks this might be a problem with the adaptation. I haven't read the book, but I've heard it's excellent. And, within the film you can see the bones of a potentially fascinating story. It just didn't fully translate to film. Moorhouse seemed to not know what tone she was wanting to set. There needed to be a dark streak running through an almost uneasy technicolor happy story. Then, the turn wouldn't be so shocking. It might feel normal for this weird place and weird collection of people. But, it doesn't. Like I said, this is two different movies.