Shortland shows promise in amazing debut

ON THE basis of Somersault (Metrodome), this quite remarkable debut by writer/director Cate Shortland, points to the emergence of a gifted talent.

The excellent Abbie Cornish is Heidi, a 16-year-old girl whose indiscretion with her mum’s boyfriend forces her to move to the ski resort of Jindabayne.

After some difficulties she meets Joe (San Worthington) and finds real romance – until he suddenly abandons her. Frustrated, she seeks some consolation in the seedy world of the resort’s nightspots.

A wonderful examination of fraught relationships, Somersault is quite simply terrific viewing. Extras include several featurettes, a short film by Shortland and eight deleted scenes with optional commentary.

Drama ****