Indie Film Of The Month: Little Fish

Cate Blanchett, Sam Neill and Hugo Weaving, the cream of Aussie cinema, star in this haunting portrayal of life after rehab. Tracy Heart (Blanchett) is a 32 year old former addict who lives with her mother and works at a video store. Now free from the grip of heroin, Tracy is attempting to pursue the humble goal of becoming a business owner. However, the scars of her past life run deep, and when Lionel (Weaving), an ex-football champion and important figure in Tracy's life, asks her to score for him, and her former lover returns to town, her head threatens to go under.

'Little Fish' is a brilliantly performed, fairly well told tale from director Rowan Woods. Most famously known for the Australian television series 'Farscape', Woods captures the sympathetic side to these otherwise hardened working class characters. According to Blanchett: "[they are] a whole group of deeply uncool and unfashionable people who never get represented in cinema." And true enough, it is the characters that keep this film afloat. Both Blanchett and Weaving have already picked up Australian Film Institute awards for Best Actress and Actor respectively.

'Little Fish' does feel out of its depth at times, and a few plot points will leave viewers confused. However, hearing three of Hollywood's biggest names perform in their native accent is a cinematic treat. It may not be the biggest fish in the pond, but it sure is a satisfying catch.