PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Cate Shortland’s feature film debut, Somerault, is now available in 4k, and I just watched it. What did I think? How does it look? Read on for more!
But first, here’s the trailer.
Synopsis
Following a reckless encounter with her mother’s boyfriend, teenage Heidi is forced to flee home and restart her life, finding refuge at a motel in the icy ski town of Jindabyne. There, she lands a job at a petrol station, befriends her warm co-worker Bianca, and meets Joe, a young man grappling with his own emotional baggage. As Heidi and Joe pursue a shaky relationship and search for normalcy against a bleak winter backdrop, they must confront their vices, feelings of isolation, and need for love and belonging.
Cate Shortland’s stunning feature debut is a “frank and visceral film that at the same time exudes an unexpected innocence” (Los Angeles Times). Featuring early performances from Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington, Somersault sheds light on the complexity of growing up and the quiet ache of loneliness.
Somersault was nominated for an Un Certain Regard and Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2004. Piccolo Films has restored the film to 4K from the original 35mm master negative and final mix master audio components. The restoration was overseen by Ray Argall in consultation with Anthony Anderson, Robert Humphreys, Sam Patty and Cate Shortland.
My Thoughts
It is an emotional roller coaster with Heidi and her mom. I love the music and the storytelling of the film. I gave major props to Cate Shortland who directed this movie. With her direction there was a story to tell and she did it beautifully. I think the film in my opinion touched upon deep mental health aspects as Heidi goes on a journey of her own well being. She is living in a hard place thinking that she has to get out of that situation with her mom Nicole but in the long run cause more problems for herself. She thinks someone can hook her up after she leaves her city but that wasn’t the case.
If you haven’t seen it before, it’s definitely worth checking out, and it’s never looked better. The restored version premiered at Metro the Metrograph in New York City on February 20, 2026. Physical edition pre-orders are available now, with a 4K digital release coming in March.
