The Tree

The Tree

I have seen so many outstanding Australian films. I had to view The Tree simply because of its country of origin. This film is a fable. At times it is sweet and lovely. The cinematography is excellent in swooping over the dry barren Australian outland. The acting is terrific. At times the story is ‘over the top.’ I almost saw it as a children’s story.

We first meet the loving family in their somewhat broken down house out in the dry countryside. It is a very happy family. Mother and father love each other and the four children are totally adored. There is a special bond between the father and the absolutely adorable Simone. She is the star in the film and worth gong just to see her amazing performance.

Dad suddenly dies of a heart attack and the whole family suffers. Mom is unable to cope with anything. Simone finds solace in the giant fig tree outside their house. (I thought it looked like a banyan tree) The tree was magnificent in stature and offered solace to Simone. She climbed the tree daily ad thought she could hear her dad talking to her.

The older brother seems to take charge because nobody else is coping. Mom takes a job with a (handsome) plumber in town. She does the bookkeeping and receptionist work.

It does suspend belief that she would leave her children at home. Simone is only 8 and the little adorable brother is younger. Are we supposed to believe that Mom was even fit mentally to work in the store and then go home and take over a large household?

I guess miracles happen because Mom and George (the plumber) begin a relationship. Simone feels betrayed and will not warm up to George.

Thrill seekers will enjoy the bat in the house, the frogs in the toilet and the horrific cyclone that shatters their house.

Morgana Davies plays the part of Simone. She is adorable and a great little actress. There are some redeeming factors to the film but maybe not enough.