Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10939802/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/audrey-2024 (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/audrey-2024 (UK
About movie: "Audrey" is a dark comedy that follows Ronnie, a self-proclaimed Mother of the Year, who has always given her daughter Audrey everything. When Audrey selfishly falls into a coma, Ronnie takes drastic measures to keep their dreams alive by assuming her daughter's identity.
Plot summary: Ronnie has dedicated herself to ensuring her daughter Audrey has the best of everything. When Audrey unexpectedly falls into a coma, Ronnie, unwilling to let their shared dreams fade, makes the unbelievable decision to step into Audrey's life and pretend to be her. This leads to a series of comedic and potentially life-altering situations as Ronnie tries to navigate life as her comatose daughter.
Director's Vision: Natalie Bailey directed "Audrey." The film is described as a "deliciously snarky black comedy" by The Guardian, suggesting Bailey aimed for an absurdist and darkly humorous take on family dynamics and ambition.
Themes (with bullets, detailed):
Motherhood and Sacrifice (in a dark comedic lens): The film explores a mother's extreme dedication and the absurd sacrifices she makes, bordering on delusion.
Identity and Deception: The central plot revolves around Ronnie's outrageous deception, raising questions about identity, ambition, and the masks people wear.
Dreams and Aspirations (taken to the extreme): The film satirizes the pursuit of dreams and the lengths individuals might go to achieve them, even at the expense of others.
Black Comedy and Absurdity: The core of the film lies in its dark humor and the increasingly bizarre situations that arise from Ronnie's actions.
Dysfunctional Family Dynamics: The film portrays a highly dysfunctional family and their reactions to the comatose state of one of their members.
Key success factors (with bullets, text after bullets):
Outlandish and Hilarious Premise: The incredibly dark and comedic concept of a mother impersonating her comatose daughter is the film's main draw.
Strong Lead Performance by Jackie van Beek: Critics have noted Jackie van Beek's central performance as holding the film together with good comic timing.
Natalie Bailey's Direction of the Absurd: Her direction seems to embrace the film's bizarre nature and extract humor from the uncomfortable situations.
Sharp Writing by Lou Sanz: The script is noted for its sardonic humor and exploration of controversial family dynamics.
Festival Recognition and Positive Reviews: The film has garnered award recognition and generally positive reviews, indicating it resonates with certain audiences.
Summary short: "Audrey" is a deliciously dark and absurd comedy about a mother who impersonates her comatose daughter, leading to increasingly outrageous and humorous consequences.
Awards and nominations: "Audrey" has received 1 win and 4 nominations. Natalie Bailey won the Australian Directors Guild Award for Best Direction of a Debut Feature in 2024. The film also received nominations at the 2025 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards for Best Lead Actress in Film (Jackie van Beek) and Best Supporting Actress in Film (Hannah Diviney), as well as a nomination for the Australian Writers' Guild's Awgie Award for Feature Film - Original (Lou Sanz) in 2025. Additionally, Natalie Bailey was nominated for the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival.
Critics reception:
Rotten Tomatoes: On Rotten Tomatoes, "Audrey" has a score of 83% based on 12 critics' reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. This indicates generally positive reviews from critics.
The Guardian: Luke Buckmaster of The Guardian called it a "deliciously snarky black comedy".
The Reviews Hub: A review from The Reviews Hub noted that while aiming for "slightly absurdist Kath and Kim black humour," the premise felt stretched over the runtime, but praised Jackie van Beek's performance as "holding it all together".
FilmInk: FilmInk described "Audrey" as "completely bonkers" and noted its "camp levels throughout are pitched high and utterly bewildering from scene to scene," suggesting a divisive but potentially engaging experience for those who appreciate absurdist humor.
Summary: Critics generally found "Audrey" to be a darkly comedic and often absurd film with a unique premise. While some felt the premise was stretched, Jackie van Beek's performance and the film's snarky humor were often highlighted as strengths. The critical reception suggests a film that will likely appeal to those who enjoy unconventional and boundary-pushing comedies.
Reviews:
IMDb: The user score on IMDb is 5.7/10. One featured review describes it as a "Laugh Out Loud, Poignant, Aussie Satirical Comedy," praising Natalie Bailey's direction, the script, and the cast.
HeyUGuys: A review from HeyUGuys describes "Audrey" as "ultra pitch black in tone" and hitting the "sweet spot in sardonic Aussie humour." It praises Jackie van Beek's performance as a "pure, unadulterated tonic of self-indulgence."
The Upcoming (London Film Festival): Mae Trumata from The Upcoming called "Audrey" "an absolute delight of a film, full of mischief, bad decisions, awful liars and car crash characters" and a "delicious, creative and energetic satirical marvel."
Summary: Audience reviews seem to echo the critical sentiment, with many appreciating the film's dark humor, its outlandish premise, and Jackie van Beek's performance. It appears to be a film that resonates with those who enjoy sardonic Australian comedy and are open to controversial and absurd family dynamics.
Box office: The box office performance of "Audrey" would primarily be in Australia, where it was released. Information on its specific box office numbers is not readily available, but as an independent film with festival recognition and generally positive (albeit sometimes polarizing) reviews, it likely found an audience within the art house and independent cinema scene.
Production: "Audrey" was produced by Invisible Republic and Orange Entertainment Co in Australia. The film's darkly comedic and absurd nature required a specific tone and performance style, which Natalie Bailey, as recognized by her ADG Award, successfully brought to the screen with a talented cast including Jackie van Beek and Hannah Diviney.
Production companies (name, country):
Invisible Republic (Australia) - Sydney, NSW; michael@invisiblerepublic.tv
Orange Entertainment Co (Australia) - Brisbane; orangeentertainment.co; +61 7 3137 6888
Why to recommend this movie (with bullets, text):
Unique and Hilariously Dark Premise: If you enjoy black comedies that push boundaries, "Audrey" offers a truly original and outrageous storyline.
Critically Acclaimed (Generally Positive Reviews): With a high Rotten Tomatoes score and praise from various critics, the film has been well-received by many.
Award-Winning Direction and Nominated Performances: Natalie Bailey's direction has been recognized, and Jackie van Beek and Hannah Diviney's performances have been lauded.
Sardonic Australian Humor: Experience a distinct brand of dark and witty comedy from Down Under.
Memorable and Unconventional Characters: The film features a cast of dysfunctional and often hilarious characters that you won't soon forget.
Why to Watch Movie (with bullets, text):
For a Darkly Funny and Absurd Experience: If you're tired of typical comedies and crave something truly different and outrageous, "Audrey" delivers.
To See a Talented Cast in Action: Jackie van Beek shines in the lead role, supported by a strong ensemble cast.
To Discover a Promising Debut Feature Director: Natalie Bailey has already won an award for her work on this film.
To Engage with a Film That Sparks Discussion: The controversial and darkly humorous themes are likely to generate conversations.
To Explore a Unique Take on Family Dynamics: Prepare for a dysfunctional family portrayed with sharp wit and unapologetic humor.
What Movie Trend film is following (name of the trend, summary): International Dark Comedy with Absurdist Elements. "Audrey," as an Australian film with a highly unusual and darkly comedic premise, aligns strongly with the trend of international cinema that embraces absurd situations and pushes the boundaries of traditional comedy, often finding a dedicated audience through its unique cultural lens and unconventional humor.
What Big Social Trend is following (name of the trend, summary): Subversion of Traditional Family Narratives. While exaggerated for comedic effect, "Audrey" taps into a broader social trend of questioning and satirizing traditional portrayals of family, particularly the idealized roles of mothers and daughters. The film's dark humor allows for an exploration of dysfunction and the less palatable aspects of family dynamics.
Final Verdict: "Audrey" is a wickedly funny and deeply absurd black comedy that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its award-winning direction, strong performances, and a truly original premise, it's a must-watch for those who appreciate dark humor and are looking for a cinematic experience that is anything but ordinary. Be prepared for a film that is both hilarious and deeply uncomfortable in its exploration of family, ambition, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.
Recommendations for movie industry:
Continue to support and platform filmmakers with bold and unconventional comedic visions from around the world: Natalie Bailey's work on "Audrey" is a prime example.
Recognize and celebrate strong comedic performances that embrace the absurd: Jackie van Beek's performance is a key element of the film's success.
Encourage the development and production of films that offer unique cultural perspectives on universal themes: "Audrey" provides a distinct Australian take on family and ambition.
Don't shy away from darker or more controversial comedic premises: When executed well, as in "Audrey," these films can find a dedicated and appreciative audience.
Support independent film festivals and platforms that showcase diverse and challenging comedic voices: The recognition "Audrey" received at various festivals helped bring it to a wider audience.
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