That's Not Me

That's Not Me, a thought-provoking comedy-drama released in 2017 is a delightful exploration of sibling rivalry, identity, and the sacrifices one is willing to make to achieve their dreams. The film features an impressive cast led by Alice Foulcher in the dual roles, supported by Nikita Leigh-Pritchard and Janine Watson, among others. The movie presents a fresh take on the rarely explored theme of the doppelgänger trope as well as an in-depth look into the intense world of acting.

Directed by Gregory Erdstein, That's Not Me is the tale of Polly, portrayed convincingly by Alice Foulcher, an aspiring actor struggling to make her mark in the highly competitive film industry. The fact that her identical twin sister Amy, also played by Foulcher, becomes an overnight Hollywood sensation adds another layer of conflict to the narrative. Amy’s sudden fame exposes Polly to the brutal reality of her own unfulfilled dreams and stagnant career. A promising premise underpins the narrative - what happens when your identical twin sibling achieves the very dream you are aching for?

Alice Foulcher breathes life into the characters of Polly and Amy. The stark contrast between the two identical women beyond their physical similarities is a testament to Foulcher’s acting prowess. The nuanced differences in character are delicately highlighted, showing the inherent but obscured rivalry between the two sisters.

Foulcher's Polly, a talented, earnest actress stuck in a rut, delivers a heartbreaking and relatable performance as she grapples with her self-doubt and slowly succumbing to an identity crisis. Simultaneously, her portrayal of Amy, the suddenly successful yet detached twin sister, accurately represents the life of a distant, famous personality, providing a counter-narrative that adds depth to the plot. Each identity comes with its unique struggles and triumphs, creating an interesting dynamic between the twins even when they aren't physically present together.

Nikita Leigh-Pritchard and Janine Watson give creditable performances as part of Polly’s life—each one playing a role in pushing her far and further into her existential crisis. As Polly navigates through her challenging life, the interactions with her boyfriend, friends, and several industry personae all contribute towards the unfolding drama. Their performances are well-executed, making the audience both sympathize and empathize with Polly as she wrestles with the harsh realities of her life.

The movie’s witty writing dissects the struggles of a struggling actor while spraying pinch of hilarious commentary. Polly’s everyday encounters and conversations with her acting coach, friends, family, and industry insiders, though mostly dark, occasionally offer comic relief. The protagonist's interactions with these close characters unfold insights into the unkind world of showbusiness, adding to the dramatic intensity.

Set in Melbourne's vibrant artistic landscape, the film’s visual appeal cannot be overlooked. Cinematographic aspects effectively convey the intense emotional plight of the protagonist. The cool, atmospheric palette of Polly’s world sharply contrasts with the warm, radiant tones representing her successful twin's life, effectively highlighting the differences in their lives.

Although primarily dealing with a personal crisis, That's Not Me subtly puts forth broader themes of societal issues like identity, fame, and the concept of ‘making it big.’ Multiple layers of narrative and symbolism make the film an exciting watch. At one point, Polly decides to impersonate her famous sister, challenging our perception of identity and individuality, and raising the question of 'how far would you go to be someone else?' At the same time, the exaggerated portrayal of Hollywood glamour and the obsessive rat-race disguised as the 'American Dream' poses a critique to society's unending pursuit of fame and success, often at the cost of individuality.

That's Not Me will take you on a journey of self-exploration, identity search, sibling rivalry, and the harsh reality of show business. It's an emotionally intense yet comedic tale about embracing one's individuality amidst the pressured quest of fitting into societal norms and expectations. This gem of a movie encapsulates the stormy journey of an aspiring mind grappling between dreams and reality, making for an engaging and thoughtful experience.