The Pretend One

The Pretend One is an intriguing 2017 independent Australian drama that finds a perfect balance between surrealism and reality, compelling its audience to question their perception of reality, love, and loneliness. Expertly blending themes of isolation, connection and the intricate depths of human emotion, the film expertly takes the audience on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and awakening. Renowned actors David Field, Geraldine Hakewill, and Elijah Perris effectively breathe life into their character's circumstances inside this movie, offering performances that are riveting in their authenticity.

Directed by Tony Prescott, the film is set in the vast, desolate expanse of an Australian cotton farm, where a taciturn farmer named Roger, convincingly played by David Field, lives in solitary peace. The natural landscape, captured with dramatic beauty by cinematographer, Robert C. Morton, becomes a silent character in itself, reflecting the isolation that is so much part of Roger's existence.

The story unfolds around Roger and his daughter Charlie, played with sensitivity and depth by Geraldine Hakewill. Charlie has an imaginary friend named Hugo, a character brought to life by Elijah Perris, giving a breakthrough performance with an ethereal blend of innocence and wisdom. This character personifies Charlie’s loneliness as she grew up on a cotton farm in the Australian Outback, devoid of companions in her agoraphobic life. Roger, who initially encourages this figment of Charlie's imagination for his little girl's amusement, later tolerates Hugo for her emotional well-being. They retain this underestimated spectral member of their family even after Charlie grows into adulthood.

The Pretend One is a tantalizing exploration of two parallel narratives within its universe—that of Charlie and Hugo's non-conventional relationship and its impact on Charlie's development and growth, and that of Roger and his struggle with grief, loss and his gradual disconnection from his daughter.

The mature handling of themes related to grief, loneliness, and the manifestations of unexpressed emotions makes The Pretend One a powerful narrative. The bond between Charlie and Hugo is depicted in a very delicate and nuanced manner, pervading the story's landscape and underlining Charlie's loneliness and emotional isolation.

As Charlie grows into a beautiful and quietly intelligent woman, her bond with Hugo intensifies. At the same time, a stranger enters their solitary life, challenging Charlie’s emotional connection to Hugo. The film masterfully probes the complexities of the human heart and the various relationships that shape it.

Geraldine Hakewill’s portrayal of Charlie brings a sense of reality and authenticity. Her interaction with the imaginary Hugo is remarkably convincing, making the audience perceive him as a tangible entity. Also, David Field's portrayal of a grieving father struggling with loneliness brings additional gravitas to the narrative.

The Pretend One aesthetically examines an unusual father-daughter dynamic, where an imaginary friend becomes a pseudo-reality. It also explores the sense of grief manifesting in silence and loneliness, and the extents we may go to fill those voids.

The film is largely a quiet drama, but punctuated with moments of excellently crafted tension and suspense. The chronicle of events is also layered with an almost surreal charm, posing questions to the audience and dragging them into the emotions experienced by the characters.

The titular 'Pretend One', Hugo, is paradoxically the most fascinating character in the film. For an imaginary character, his actions and choices seem surprisingly real and engaging, making the audience question the boundaries of their reality.

Pleasantly unconventional in its storytelling, The Pretend One offers an intriguing narrative that keeps the audience hooked till the end. With refreshing performances by the lead cast, combined with visually appealing cinematography and a well-paced soundtrack, it draws in viewers and immerses them in its narrative landscape. This film is a testament to the creativity and the emotional depth that independent cinema can reach, providing a much-needed variation to conventional movies.

The Pretend One is a deeply moving and poignant drama that explores the complexities of love, loss, and evolving human relationships, all while challenging the audience's perception of reality. It would be fair to say that this film is an unsung gem of Australian independent cinema, which will absolutely capture your heart and leave you pondering long after the closing credits.