Bitter & Twisted

Bitter & Twisted is a 2008 Australian movie that paints a profound picture of grief, relationships, and the constant human struggle with emotions that stick around longer than they're welcome. The movie features captivating performances by well-known Australian actors like Noni Hazlehurst, Steve Rodgers, and Leeanna Walsman, whose characters are entwined in a web of unresolved resentments and longings, in the aftermath of a major tragedy.

The film, directed by Christopher Weekes, begins with the sudden death of a young man, and for the next three years, the audience is introduced to the lives of his surviving family members and their ever-raging internal turmoil. Noni Hazlehurst fits perfectly into the role of Penelope Lombard, the grieving mother who is trying to find solace in her everyday routines, while the lingering sorrow continually impedes her path towards returning to normalcy.

Steve Rodgers skillfully portrays Jordan Lombard, the older brother who is grappling with the guilt of outliving his younger brother whilst dealing with his own frustrated personal and professional life. The intricate emotional labyrinth that is intrinsic to the characters' lives in the aftermath of such an event is depicted powerfully through their performances.

Leeanna Walsman plays the role of Indigo, the late brother's ex-girlfriend, showcasing an impressive emotional range as she exhibits the fear of moving on and the guilt of leaving behind a past that has no future. Walsman's portrayal of Indigo adds a palpable appeal to the character as she oscillates between being a bereaved ex-girlfriend and a woman trying to find new love.

Bitter & Twisted also includes a brilliant performance by Matthew Newton who plays Ben, a geeky, socially awkward neighbor harboring an unrequited love for Indigo. Newton brings a heartwarming innocence to his character, helping the narrative flow with the occasional funny and light-hearted moments.

What makes Bitter & Twisted significant is the director's commendable ability to delicately unravel the complexities of human emotions. The movie does not merely emote grief; instead, it encapsulates the mish-mash of despair, guilt, frustration, longing, and the desperate need for closure that often accompanies a significant personal loss. Weekes beautifully captures the universal human struggle of dealing with tying and untying emotional knots, setting a stage that reflects the realities of countless lives.

There's also an uncanny realness to the film's depiction of a seemingly mundane suburban life. Bitter & Twisted draws you into the mundanity, only to reveal that underneath the quiet, everyday existence of its characters lie emotions that are far deeper and intricately tangled. The relationships between characters are drawn with fine, thought-provoking strokes, making them feel almost uncomfortably real.

The narrative is further elevated by the visually striking cinematography. The seemingly ordinary suburban landscape is transformed into a canvas echoing with silent wailings of loss, unexpressed guilt, and hidden regrets under Weekes' direction. The contrasting metaphor of silent houses against the tumultuous emotions of its characters inspires a sense of lingering discomfort, inviting the audience to introspect and empathize.

The film's score, composed by Rafael May, harmoniously complements the narrative, amplifying the underlying sense of melancholy, leaving audiences with a contemplative aftertaste. Bitter & Twisted, with its profound exploration of mourning and emotional trespassing, strikes a balance between being relatable and unnerving, making it a commendable piece of art.

Despite the film providing no definite solutions to the characters' struggles, it leaves viewers with a possible message of acceptance. In the face of hardships, life moves on and happiness is found in accepting life's messiness rather than running from it.

In essence, Bitter & Twisted is a deeply moving film that portrays the bittersweet symphony of life: a reality where grief and happiness coexist, where humans stumble, fall, learn, and accept the rollercoaster that life throws at them. The film's captivating storytelling paired with brilliant performances by its cast, makes for an emotive, truthful, and thought-provoking viewing experience.