Ellie and Abbie

Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) is an endearing, heartwarming Australian romantic comedy-drama from 2020. The film showcases a diverse representation of characters and relationships, focusing on LGBTQ+ themes, and is rooted in a contemporary setting. It is a captivating exploration of self-discovery, love, and acceptance, with a unique twist of supernatural elements incorporated ingeniously into the narrative. It stars the talented trio of Marta Dusseldorp, Zoe Terakes, and Sophie Hawkshaw in lead roles.

The story revolves around high schooler Ellie (Sophie Hawkshaw), an adorable and somewhat awkward seventeen-year-old. Ellie is at the brink of self-discovery, working her way through school, figuring out her sexuality, and trying to pluck up the courage to ask her crush to the school formal. Ellie lives with her mother Erica (Marta Dusseldorp), an affable single parent who shares a warm bond with her. The film is set against the backdrop of Sydney with its distinct local flavor, pitched perfectly between the enthusiastic youth culture and classic neighborhood harmony.

In an intriguing turn of events, Ellie is visited by the ghost of her dead aunt Tara (Julia Billington). Tara, a vibrant and enthusiastic character, reveals herself as a turn activitist gay from the '80s, who is resolute about helping her young niece navigate the challenges of adolescence, particularly her grappling sexuality. Tara’s presence serves as the film’s comedic soul apart from being an impactful force that compels Ellie to face her true feelings and confront her fears.

The object of Ellie’s crush is the school captain, Abbie (Zoe Terakes). Abbie is portrayed as intelligent, assured, and articulate, a stark contrast to Ellie’s endearing awkwardness. The charming chemistry between these two characters forms a crucial part of the film’s narrative.

The dynamic between the lead characters brings an array of emotions to the screen, clearly delineating the struggles, confusion, and joy of first love, and the journey of understanding, accepting, and expressing one’s sexual orientation. The film does a noteworthy job of presenting these characters honestly, showcasing their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities without resorting to clichés.

Marta Dusseldorp's portrayal of Erica, Ellie's loving yet slightly befuddled mother is also notable. Erica's relationship with her daughter, her struggle to understand and support Ellie, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. The intergenerational contrast between Ellie getting to understand her own sexuality and Erica, who has known about her sister's sexuality and simultaneous struggle to repress it, adds an interesting aspect to the story.

A highlight of the film is how it seamlessly traverses into the past, bringing light to Tara’s life and her era, an age defined by its challenges and fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This subtlety adds a historical perspective to the narrative, striking a delicate balance between amusing, poignant, and thought-provoking scenarios.

Director Monica Zanetti has dexterously crafted a narrative that celebrates the spirit of youth, the tenderness of first love, and the profoundness of familial ties, while effectively connecting the past and present. Zanetti's approach is both sensitive and realistic, offering a compellingly honest portrayal of queer teen life. The movie brings to life a profoundly human story, replete with humor, emotions, love, familial bonds, and social awakening, topped by educative layers of LGBTQ+ inclusivity and history.

The performances are powerfully convincing with the chemistry among the cast evoking genuine emotions on the screen. Funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time, the movie is a slice of life, goading the audience to look beyond the socially accepted norms and be brave in expressing their true selves.

Ellie and Abbie (and Ellie's Dead Aunt) comes across not just as a coming-of-age story but an entertaining yet meaningful affair that wittily deconstructs the trials and tribulations of a teenager coming to terms with her sexuality. It marries the commonplace hurdles of adolescence with exceptional themes of LGBTQ+ culture and history, crafting a narrative that is both unique and relatable.

With a carefully chosen cast, smart dialogues, and an adept mix of emotions, this high school rom-com defies stereotype at many levels, providing gay representation without hyperbolization. Though tinged with elements of quirky humor, it equally addresses significant issues, making for an engaging watch with a substantive underlying message.