CTCCoarse language
500 Days In The Wild follows the epic 6-year journey of filmmaker Dianne Whelan as she sets out to reconnect with nature and become the first person to travel the world’s longest trail. The 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail stretches across the continent of North America, connecting the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans. It is the longest trail in the world. For six years filmmaker Dianne Whelan traveled the entirety of the land and water trails, the only person to ever accomplish this journey. 500 Days in the Wild recounts Dianne’s journey by bike, canoe, skis, snowshoes and on foot and her cross-cultural visits with those who live close to the land. This feature doc culled from 800 hours of footage is an intricate weave of adventure film, personal reflection and stunning captures of wildlife and landscapes. Using humour, adventure, beautiful cinematography and a great soundtrack (including songs from Joni Mitchell, First Aid Kit, Xavier Rudd, and The Tragically Hip), 500 Days in the Wild will entertain audiences and inspire hope for the future. She started out alone, disillusioned with state of the world, to look for different ways of caring for the land and for each other. She ended the journey a bit wiser, more hopeful, in love and with a passion to share this story.
M
Brian Helgeland’s medieval adventure remains a fresh and exuberant example of mainstream cinema with real personality. Set in the world of 14th-century tournament jousting, it follows a peasant squire who seizes an unexpected chance to reinvent himself as a noble contender, chasing glory, love and a place in a society determined to keep him in his station. What makes the film so appealing is the confidence of its tone: it embraces period spectacle while infusing the action with humour, romance and a knowingly modern pulse. Heath Ledger gives the story its magnetism, bringing warmth, swagger and sincerity to an underdog hero easy to champion. Around him, Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk create a lively ensemble that adds wit, rivalry and heart. The result is a film that feels both classically entertaining and distinctly original in its approach. For audiences who enjoy action with charm, romance with momentum and a playful twist on historical adventure, this offers an immensely satisfying screen experience full of energy, mischief and winning spirit.
E
The Adventure Reels Tour brings the planet's most electrifying action sport films to the big screen. Curated to keep you locked in from first frame to last, every heart-pounding short film has been carefully selected to push you further, wilder, higher and harder alongside the world's elite skiers, climbers, kayakers and mountain bikers. Fair warning — the Adventure Reels Tour isn't built for the timid. This year's line-up packs two-and-a-half hours of jaw-dropping, gut-churning action. Explosive rides, endless ski lines, fearless jumps and breathtaking stunts — these films pay tribute to the grit, spirit and sheer audacity of the athletes who refuse to play it safe. With radically fresh outlooks, these high-energy shorts will take you to a place where your heart beats faster, adrenaline courses through your veins and the world whirls by at speed. The Adventure Reels Tour is a full-throttle return to the soul of action sport cinema — a night of films guaranteed to leave you breathless, buzzing and ready to take on the world. ONE SCREENING ONLY : DON'T MISS THE ACTION SEATING IS NOT ALLOCATED: Come early for the best seats. 2 films are subtitled The Adventure Reels Reels Tour is exempt from classification, but all coarse language has been beeped out.
CTCMental health themes, coarse language and sex scenes
This atmospheric Australian drama follows a young couple who leave the bustle of city life behind in search of a quieter existence in the countryside. Hoping that distance from urban pressures will strengthen their relationship, they settle into an isolated rural property surrounded by vast landscapes and long stretches of silence. As the novelty of their new life begins to fade, loneliness and uncertainty slowly take hold. In an attempt to bring humour into their situation, the pair invent imaginary local neighbours and begin exchanging stories about these fictional friends. What begins as a harmless joke gradually grows more elaborate, drawing them deeper into a world shaped by their own imagination. The film explores the emotional terrain of relationships under pressure, where isolation amplifies both affection and frustration. Subtle performances from Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Nicholas Denton anchor the story, capturing the shifting dynamics between intimacy and distance. Directed by James Litchfield in his feature debut, the film uses the wide landscapes of rural Australia to reflect the characters’ inner lives. Blending elements of romance, mystery and psychological drama, the film offers a thoughtful exploration of connection, loneliness and the stories people create to reshape their reality.
CTC
Presented by World Expeditions, the 2026 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour delivers a thrilling 3-hour adventure through the world of extreme mountain sports. Experience the most captivating short films from fearless explorers, trail runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers who push boundaries across the globe. Following the legendary Banff Mountain Festival—the world's largest and most prestigious mountain celebration held annually in Canada's stunning Banff—this tour brings the very best to audiences worldwide. From over 300 exceptional films showcasing mountain sport, culture, environment, adventure and exploration, only the most outstanding award winners and crowd favourites are selected for the global journey spanning 390 communities across 35 countries. The Australian programme presents an extraordinary collection of short films captured in Earth's wildest and most remote locations. Prepare for breathtaking cinematography that transports you to impossible places, compelling stories that challenge perspectives, and heart-pounding action sequences that will leave you breathless. This is adventure filmmaking at its absolute finest. The original and the best mountain film festival is an Adventure Reels event. For more details visit www.banffaustralia.com.au
MCoarse language, nudity, sex scenes and sexual references
Set in Tangier, this intimate drama follows María Ángeles, a 79-year-old Spanish woman whose life is upended when her daughter Clara arrives from Madrid with plans to sell the apartment that has anchored the family for decades. What follows is not simply a dispute over property, but a deeply felt struggle over memory, identity and the right to remain connected to a place that holds an entire life. Maryam Touzani directs with warmth and precision, shaping a story that balances family conflict with humour, resilience and sensual rediscovery. As María Ángeles resists being displaced from the neighbourhood she knows by heart, the film becomes a portrait of community as much as character: shopkeepers, neighbours and old friends all form part of the world she refuses to lose. Carmen Maura gives the role grace, wit and steel, creating a heroine whose determination never loses its humanity. Supported by Marta Etura, Ahmed Boulane and María Alfonsa Rosso, the film unfolds with tenderness and emotional clarity, finding beauty in ordinary routines, hard choices and the possibility of renewed feeling later in life. The result is a compassionate, richly textured drama about home, selfhood and starting again without surrendering the past.
MMature themes, violence, coarse language and sexual references
Bart Layton brings his distinctive command of tension and character to a sleek, sharply assembled crime thriller adapted from Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella. Set within a world of jewel theft, surveillance and tightening pressure, the story follows a highly disciplined thief whose carefully controlled operations begin to draw dangerous attention. As a relentless detective closes in and a volatile younger criminal complicates the landscape, the film builds into a gripping study of risk, ambition and unraveling control. Led by Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Halle Berry, and supported by Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Nick Nolte, the cast gives the film considerable presence and dramatic texture. The appeal lies not only in its suspense but in its refined atmosphere, strong performances and polished sense of scale. It has the sheen of a major studio thriller while retaining the focused intensity of a filmmaker with a clear point of view. For audiences drawn to contemporary noir, intelligent heist storytelling and star-led adult drama, this is a confident, stylish and satisfying screen experience with tension, glamour and real dramatic momentum.
PGMild coarse language
This concert film celebrates the remarkable stage presence and musical legacy of Elvis Presley, presenting a vibrant showcase of live performances from the later era of his career. Filmed during a period when Elvis was performing spectacular shows for audiences around the world, the film captures the scale, drama and excitement that defined his legendary concerts. Backed by a full band, orchestra and gospel singers, Elvis delivers powerful renditions of many of his most recognisable songs, combining rock and roll energy with soulful ballads and show-stopping stage moments. The performances highlight his distinctive voice, commanding presence and ability to connect with audiences on an extraordinary level. The film provides a vivid reminder of Elvis’ enduring cultural influence and the remarkable impact he had on popular music. His blend of rhythm and blues, country and rock reshaped the sound of modern music and inspired generations of performers across the world. Presented as a large-scale concert experience, the film brings together iconic songs, dramatic staging and the atmosphere of a packed auditorium, capturing the excitement of seeing one of the greatest entertainers in music history performing live at the height of his fame.
MCoarse language
The screening on May 7th is a Members Free session. All patrons are invited to attend the panel and Q&A discussing climate preparedness and adaptation in Darwin following the screening. This moving Australian documentary examines the aftermath of the 2022 Lismore floods through the lives of people forced to reckon with grief, instability and the question of what home means when the land itself feels uncertain. Rather than treating disaster as spectacle, it stays close to the emotional reality of those living through recovery, tracing how environmental crisis reshapes family life, community ties and the possibility of a future in place. Directed by Jordan Giusti, the film combines intimate access with a clear sense of the broader forces surrounding the story, from climate trauma to the long shadow of policy failure and uneven rebuilding. Its strength lies in the way it balances personal testimony with a wider view of a town under pressure, creating a documentary that feels immediate, compassionate and socially meaningful. Premiering at Sydney Film Festival in 2025 and winning the Sustainable Future Award, it arrives with strong festival credentials and real contemporary relevance. For audiences interested in Australian documentary, climate realities and stories of community endurance, it offers a deeply affecting and important cinema experience.
PG
Come and support Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT with their Deckchair Cinema Fundraiser screening of Ghostbusters. Caterer: Yogi's Way The original and the best! An infectiously fun blend of special effects and comedy, with Bill Murray's hilarious deadpan performance leading a cast of great comic turns.
EExempt
A DECADE OF INSPIATION. A DECADE OF COMMUNITY. A DECADE OF BEING GUTSY. Celebrate 10 years of Australia's premier adventure film tour spotlighting women who absolutely send it! Since day one, Gutsy Girls has been championing fearless female adventurers who push boundaries, shatter expectations, and prove that gutsy is a way of life—not just a moment. This milestone year brings you 2½ hours of heart-pounding action and soul-stirring stories from remarkable women around the globe. Experience a diverse collection of films—varying in length and style—that showcase climbers, paddlers, runners, riders, and explorers redefining what's possible in the adventure world. These aren't just films. They're powerful testaments to human potential. Watch determination transform into achievement, fear give way to courage, and ordinary women accomplish extraordinary feats that'll have you plotting your next challenge before the credits roll. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or someone who dreams big from your place of comfort, these stories will ignite your spirit and remind you why we've been doing this for a decade. The Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour offers inspiration in spades. Join us for our 10th anniversary celebration. Tickets selling fast—collect your crew, grab yours now and let's make this the gutsiest year yet! Find out more at https://gutsygirlsadventurefilmtour.com.au/ ONE SCREENING ONLY The Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour is exempt from classification, but the films are suitable for all ages (none of the films include swearing or drug references). Seating is not allocated. Arrive early for the best seats
CTCMature themes and a sex scene
Directed by Chloé Zhao, this moving adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel brings to life the tender, complex marriage between Agnes and her husband — a man whose future renown casts a long shadow across their family. Jessie Buckley embodies Agnes with fierce intuition and vulnerability, while Paul Mescal portrays a young writer struggling to balance artistic ambition with the obligations of home. Set in late sixteenth-century England, the story unfolds through moments of domestic joy, longing and quiet strain, culminating in the devastating loss of their son, Hamnet. The grief that follows ripples through their lives, shaping not only their relationship but also the creative world that will one day define a cultural legacy. With her signature blend of naturalistic storytelling and emotional clarity, Zhao creates a world that feels tactile and intimate. The film reflects on how love endures through distance, how tragedy reshapes identity and how art emerges from the deepest personal fault lines. Buckley and Mescal deliver performances of remarkable depth, anchoring a period drama that speaks with striking contemporary resonance.
MPredatory animal behaviour and coarse language
Join us for a special Q&A screening presented director Kasimir Burgess on Thursday May 21st! In Mongolia’s coldest valley, horses mean life. But in the Iron Winter, nothing can survive alone. For countless generations, the herders of the Tsakhir Valley have protected their horses from ferocious arctic storms by amassing a giant winter herd, nominating their bravest young men to protect it. The daring tradition served as a brutal coming of age ritual, until five years ago, when under increasing environmental pressure, it abruptly ended. Fearful about the loss of culture, elders soon vowed to revive it. And two young friends were handed the daunting responsibility to not only protect the valley’s herd — but to save its most sacred practice. For four months, the boys battle Mongolia’s deadliest winter on record, testing friendship and faith in a fight to keep 2000 horses alive, and preserve an ancient way of life
UC15
Jafar Panahi returns with a fiercely intelligent drama that combines the tension of a thriller with the layered ethical questions of a deeply human character study. The story begins with a seemingly ordinary encounter, then steadily expands into an intense and unpredictable confrontation as a group of former political prisoners try to determine whether they have found the man responsible for their suffering. What follows is a compelling examination of memory, justice, vengeance and the uncertainty that shadows every moral choice. Crafted with precision and remarkable restraint, the film draws its power from performance, atmosphere and the emotional weight carried by its characters. Its dark humour and measured suspense give the narrative a distinctive rhythm, allowing moments of irony and dread to coexist in a way that feels both unsettling and richly rewarding. The result is a work of cinema that is politically urgent without sacrificing complexity or dramatic depth. Awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes, this major achievement confirms Panahi’s place among the essential voices in world cinema. For audiences drawn to bold, thoughtful and artistically rigorous filmmaking, it offers an unforgettable screen experience marked by courage, clarity and lasting emotional force.
GVery mild themes and infrequent coarse language
Four talented Tiwi Island Indigenous girls dream of AFLW stardom, and with the support of their community, face the social and physical obstacles standing in their way. This is an inspirational story of human endurance, ancient resilience and the power of sport to act as a force for change. Filmed over 6 years, the documentary explores the different worlds that the girls must traverse from the remote Tiwi Islands to mainland Australia as they are selected by the Essendon Football Club for their talent and unique style of play. Navigating the competitive world of professional football while dealing with the weight of cultural expectations, distance and financial barriers, the girls encounter triumphs and disappointments before defining success on their own terms to become an inspiration for the next generation of their community.
MCoarse language, drug references and nudity
This affectionate and richly entertaining documentary turns its attention to one of Australia’s most distinctive and enduring bands, tracing a path from art-school beginnings in the 1970s to national pop success and an unexpected international footprint. Directed by Matthew Walker, it explores how a group of irreverent, visually minded musicians developed a sound and sensibility that felt unmistakably local while still travelling far beyond Australian shores. Along the way, the film captures the humour, inventiveness and creative restlessness that made the band such a singular presence in local music culture. What gives the film its appeal is the balance between celebration and reflection. Archival footage, interviews and music-history context build a portrait that recognises both the joyful energy of the songs and the more complicated realities that came with fame, longevity and change. The result is lively, moving and grounded in genuine affection for the personalities at its centre. Released in Australian cinemas on 5 March 2026 and tied to the band’s 50th anniversary moment, it arrives with strong resonance for local audiences. For patrons interested in Australian music, documentary storytelling and screen portraits of artists who shaped the culture around them, it offers a warm, crowd-pleasing cinema experience full of character, memory and unmistakably local spirit.
MMature themes and coarse language
The screening on Wednesday, April 29 is a Members Only - Members Free session. Directed by Polly Findlay and adapted from Bernard MacLaverty’s novel, this intimate drama focuses on a long-married couple whose winter trip to Amsterdam begins to expose the silences, habits and unspoken pain that have settled into their relationship over time. What starts as a holiday becomes something more searching: a gentle but revealing confrontation with memory, disappointment, faith and the question of whether emotional closeness can be recovered after years of quiet distance. Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds give the film its depth and grace, bringing lived-in complexity to characters shaped by affection, frustration and shared history. Their performances are the centre of the film’s appeal, supported by a restrained style that trusts atmosphere, gesture and conversation over melodrama. Amsterdam’s winter setting adds a reflective, melancholy beauty that complements the story’s emotional texture. For audiences drawn to mature storytelling, literary adaptation and finely tuned screen acting, it offers a thoughtful and affecting cinema experience. Its quiet confidence, emotional honesty and later-life perspective make it especially resonant for patrons seeking character-driven drama with substance and warmth.
MMature themes, violence, coarse language and sexual references
Park Chan-wook’s latest feature is a brilliantly engineered black comedy thriller that turns a familiar modern fear into something witty, unnerving and cinematically exhilarating. Following a long-serving employee pushed out of his career, the story traces how humiliation, financial pressure and wounded pride steadily curdle into ruthless determination. What emerges is a sharply observed portrait of status, masculinity and survival within a deeply competitive world. Lee Byung-hun leads the film with commanding control, supported by a distinguished cast including Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran and Cha Seung-won. Together they give emotional weight and texture to a work that balances precise suspense with barbed humour and social insight. Park’s visual sophistication is evident throughout, delivering a film that feels both elegant and slyly venomous. Premiering in competition at Venice before earning major audience recognition at TIFF, this standout release arrives with strong festival prestige and broad cinephile appeal. For patrons interested in Korean cinema, intelligent thrillers and films that merge craft with commentary, it offers a rich and memorable screen experience shaped by style, tension and razor-edged wit.
CTC
Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases a 3 hour celebration of our oceans composed of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. This unique collection of short films from around the globe document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue. The films feature captivating cinematography, complete with awe-inspiring underwater scenes and fast-paced wave sequences that have been captured from unbelievable vantage points. Inspiring and thought-provoking, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour is filled with moving footage, touching interviews and insightful narrations. Each of the festival’s films conveys a deep respect and appreciation for the world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home. 2 of the films contain subtitles. Find out more at www.oceanfilmfestival.com.au
PG
Set in 1940s Australia and unfolding through the post-war decades, this feature documentary foregrounds Italian migrant women whose work and wit shaped everyday life. When men were sent to internment camps, wives and daughters kept farms, factories and small businesses afloat, raising children while rebuilding community networks. Interviews with prominent Italian-Australian voices—from singer Tina Arena to fashion leader Carla Zampatti’s daughter Allegra Spender, activist Franca Arena and restaurateur Olimpia Bortolotto—connect personal memory with national history. Narration by Greta Scacchi adds warmth and clarity, while archival photographs and period footage are blended with contemporary reflections and subtle photo animation. The result is a textured portrait of belonging, ambition and intergenerational change: how recipes, language, style and courage travelled across oceans, then took root in suburbia, workplaces and public life. Running 86 minutes and rated PG, the film balances humour with hard truths about prejudice, separation and starting again, honouring quiet acts of leadership that helped broaden Australia’s cultural landscape. Co-directed by Shannon Swan, Angelo Pricolo and Jason McFadyen, the film draws on decades of family photographs, home movies and newsreels, shaping them into an engaging mosaic. It screened at Melbourne International Film Festival and within the national Italian Film Festival programme.
MMature themes, coarse language and sex scenes
After the global success of 2016’s 'Perfect Strangers', writer/director Paolo Genovese has struck gold again with his record-breaking hit SOMEBODY TO LOVE, an hilarious, all-star romantic comedy that reveals the innermost thoughts and uncertainties of an Italian couple on their awkward first date.
MMature themes, crude humour and coarse language
Directed by Rebel Wilson, this exuberant Australian musical comedy transforms small-town tradition into a lively story of self-expression, friendship and youthful reinvention. Set in a drought-stricken rural community, it follows a shy teenager hoping the local debutante ball will offer a chance to reshape how she is seen, only for the arrival of her outspoken city cousin to unsettle every expectation. The result is a playful collision of country custom, teenage anxiety and defiant personality. Adapted from the stage musical by Hannah Reilly, with music by Meg Washington, the film carries a buoyant theatrical energy while remaining grounded in specifically Australian settings and humour. Natalie Abbott and Charlotte MacInnes lead the story with freshness and spark, supported by a strong ensemble that includes Tara Morice, Steph Tisdell, Shane Jacobson and Rebel Wilson. Its closing-night premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival adds notable prestige to a film designed to entertain with warmth and confidence. For audiences drawn to local stories, ensemble comedy and musicals with heart, it offers a colourful and upbeat screen experience shaped by mischief, sincerity and a generous sense of fun.
MSex scenes
Set in the years surrounding the First World War, this evocative period drama traces the relationship between two young musicians brought together by a shared passion for traditional folk music. Lionel, a gifted singer raised on the songs of rural Kentucky, travels to Boston to study at the conservatory, where he meets the charismatic composer David. Their friendship begins through music, but soon grows into something deeper. Years later, the pair reunite for an ambitious journey through the remote landscapes of Maine, travelling from town to town recording the voices and stories of everyday people. As they gather songs that might otherwise disappear with time, their collaboration becomes a deeply personal exploration of memory, identity and artistic devotion. Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor lead the film with nuanced performances that anchor the story’s emotional core. Director Oliver Hermanus crafts an intimate and atmospheric portrait of early twentieth-century America, where music becomes both a record of cultural history and a language of connection. Premiering in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, the film combines sweeping landscapes, delicate storytelling and traditional folk music to create a reflective and moving cinematic experience.
GVery mild slapstick violence and some scenes may scare very young children
Come and support Mindil Aces Football Club with their Deckchair Cinema Fundraiser screening of The Magic Faraway Tree. Caterer: Yogi's Way Based on Enid Blyton’s best-selling children’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran – a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learn to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.
MA15+Strong coarse language
Directed by Aidan Zamiri and built from an original idea by Charli xcx, this stylish mockumentary steps inside the strange machinery of contemporary pop fame. The story follows a rising star on the verge of her arena-tour breakthrough as managers, collaborators, cameras and expectations close in around her. What emerges is a playful but pointed portrait of celebrity culture, where identity, branding and artistic control are constantly in negotiation. Charli xcx brings sharp self-awareness and magnetic screen presence to the central role, while the supporting cast, including Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Kylie Jenner, Rachel Sennott and Alexander Skarsgård, adds humour, volatility and pop-cultural charge. The appeal lies in the film’s ability to feel both glossy and slyly revealing, balancing absurd comedy with the real emotional pressure of life lived in public. Released by A24 in January 2026, it arrived as a distinctly current work that speaks directly to fame in the age of image saturation and relentless personal branding. For audiences interested in music culture, celebrity satire and contemporary screen style, it offers a smart, entertaining and sharply observed cinema experience.
EExempt from classification
Top Dog Film Festival 2026: The Ultimate Cinematic Celebration of Dogs Get ready to fall in love all over again. The 2026 Top Dog Film Festival returns with an electrifying collection of films that prove dogs aren't just pets—they're heroes, healers, and the best friends we never knew we needed. Witness jaw-dropping adventures, heart-melting rescues, and brilliant canines whose intelligence will leave you speechless. Meet the passionate humans dedicating their lives to helping our four-legged companions thrive, and discover stories so powerful they'll change how you see the world. This 2+ hour cinematic experience brings you the finest short films from visionary independent filmmakers across the globe—each one a testament to the unbreakable connection between dogs and the people they choose to love. From laugh-out-loud moments to tears of pure joy, these carefully selected stories will remind you why dogs hold such a sacred place in our hearts. Don't just watch from the sidelines—be part of something extraordinary. Grab your tickets now and join a community of dog lovers for a cinema experience you'll never forget! Get your tickets before they all sell out – you’d be barking mad to miss it. www.TopDogFilmFestival.com.au ONE SCREENING ONLY Seating is not allocated. Arrive early for the best seats. This program is exempt from rating but would be considered a PG program.
PGMild themes
Come and support St John NT with their Deckchair Cinema Fundraiser screening of Wicked. Caterer: Yogi's Way Step into the enchanting world of Oz with Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. This musical adaptation brings to life the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young women whose unexpected friendship defies societal norms and challenges the very fabric of their world. Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, a passionate and misunderstood young woman with emerald-green skin, while Ariana Grande embodies Glinda, the ambitious and popular counterpart. Their journey from rivalry to deep friendship unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue and magical wonders. The film's rich storytelling is complemented by its stunning visuals and a score that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. Supporting performances by Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum add depth to this multifaceted narrative. Wicked not only redefines a classic tale but also invites audiences to reflect on themes of acceptance, identity, and the true nature of good and evil.
CTCMature themes, violence and coarse language
Warwick Thornton’s latest feature returns to the outback frontier with a story shaped by hardship, endurance and the fierce drive to reunite family. Set in 1930s Central Australia, it follows Aboriginal children forced into labour at the wolfram mines who escape and begin a dangerous journey across country towards their mother, Pansy. The result is a work that combines the scale of the Australian western with a deeply rooted First Nations perspective, shifting attention away from colonial myth and towards survival, dispossession and resilience. Deborah Mailman, Pedrea Jackson and Thomas M. Wright anchor the film with strength and presence, while Thornton’s cinematography gives the landscape immense power without ever losing sight of the human stakes. Its connection to Sweet Country will appeal to audiences familiar with Thornton’s earlier work, but this story stands with its own distinct emotional force and historical urgency. Premiering at Adelaide Film Festival before screening in competition at Berlin, it arrives with major festival stature. For patrons interested in Australian cinema, First Nations storytelling and serious historical drama, it offers a commanding and memorable screen experience.