Blueback
Western Australia's rugged coastline is the star of this well-intentioned environmental family drama based on the book by Tim Winton.
A blue funk: Mia Wasikowska
Down under in the wondrous aquatic world of whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles, marine biologist Abby (Mia Wasikowska) makes a dispiriting discovery about the health of her beloved reef. Coral bleaching occurs when coral is no longer coated with its symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which provides coral with its primary food source. The reef is dying and Abby doesn’t know how to help. When she learns that her mother Dora (Liz Alexander) has simultaneously suffered a stroke, Abby dives deep into her past, reflecting on growing up in the coastal town of Longboat Bay with her activist mum (Radha Mitchell in flashbacks). Written and directed for the screen by Robert Connolly, Blueback is based on a beloved 1997 Aussie short novel of the same name by Tim Winton. An ocean activist in his own right, Winton once helped stop a $180 million marina resort development along Australia’s Ningaloo reef — now a UNESCO World Heritage site where much of the film’s underwater scenes were shot.
Buoyed by a strong Aussie cast, Blueback proclaims the need for environmental advocacy, but never really rouses enough passion or insight to inspire it. As with any story told through flashback, the audience needs to get caught up in the present moment of the past, largely forgetting about the framing device and fate of the characters. With jumps between three different time frames and three different Abbys (Ariel Donoghue, Ilsa Fogg, and Mia Wasikowska respectively), the premise proves more alluring than its execution. The bulk of the story rests on the shoulders of first-time actress Fogg, leaving little more for Wasikowska to do than contemplate and frown. The lack of passion in Fogg’s performance, coupled with the inertia of Wasikowska’s timeline, keeps the story — and its preservation message — at surface level. And as enticing as the gorgeous underwater photography is, the exotic world of the Australian reef never really gets enough time to shine amidst the landlocked drama. If only more time were spent at sea with Blueback, the giant western blue groper of the title. Brought to life by a remarkably successful puppet, Blueback brings a little movie magic to an otherwise watered down family outing.
CHAD KENNERK
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg, Liz Alexander, Ariel Donoghue, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson, Erik Thomson, Eddie Baroo, Eric Bana.
Dir Robert Connolly, Pro Liz Kearney, James Grandison, Robert Connolly, Screenplay Robert Connolly and Tim Winton, from the novel by Tim Winton, Ph Andrew Commis, Rick Rifici (underwater cinematography), Pro Des Clayton Jauncey, Ed Nick Meyers, Music Nigel Westlake, Costumes Lien See Leong, Sound Chris Goodes, Trevor Hope, Glenn Newnham and Andy Wright.
Arenamedia/ScreenAustralia/Screenwest/West Australian Regional Film Fund/Film Victoria/HanWay Films/Pick Up Truck Pictures/Soundfirm-HanWay Films.
102 mins. Australia. 2022. US Rel: 3 March 2023. Cert. PG.
