Audrey (2024)

Ronnie with wide, surprised eyes sits behind the wheel of a car, holding up a green “P” plate in her right hand. She wears pink sunglasses on top of her head and a light pink top, with an expression of shock or disbelief on her face.

Audrey is a wickedly funny Australian pitch-black comedy that’ll have you laughing and cringing in equal measure. The film follows Ronnie, a former soap star turned suburban mum who’s hell-bent on living vicariously through her daughter Audrey’s acting career. When Audrey ends up in a coma after a rooftop mishap, Ronnie sees an opportunity to reclaim her lost glory by assuming her daughter’s identity. Meanwhile, the rest of the family—including Ronnie’s sexually repressed husband and her younger daughter with cerebral palsy—entertain on their own misadventures.

From the get-go, Audrey sets a tone that’s as dark as it is hilarious. The film doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to its characters’ flaws, and that’s what makes it so darn entertaining. Jackie van Beek is an absolute firecracker as Ronnie, bringing a manic energy to the role that’s both captivating and cringe-worthy. You can’t help but watch in fascinated horror as she bulldozes her way through life, leaving chaos in her wake.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with Jeremy Lindsay Taylor delivering a standout performance as Ronnie’s husband, Cormac. His journey from repressed family man to aspiring Christian porn producer is a riot to watch unfold. Hannah Diviney also shines as Nora, Ronnie’s younger daughter, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been relegated to the sidelines.

Director Natalie Bailey keeps the pace snappy, never letting the film’s energy flag. The script, penned by Lou Sanz, is razor-sharp, packed with acerbic one-liners and cringe-comedy gold. The scene where the dancers pay homage to the unconscious Audrey through interpretive dance is one of my favourites.

Visually, Audrey isn’t going to win any awards for cinematography, but it doesn’t need to. The film’s strength lies in its performances and writing, not in flashy camerawork. That said, the production design does a fantastic job of creating a world that feels both familiar and slightly off-kilter, perfectly mirroring the characters’ warped perspectives.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its willingness to go to some truly dark places. Just when you think you know where the story’s headed, it takes a sharp left turn into even more outrageous territory. The final act, in particular, is a doozy that’ll leave you gasping.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say that some viewers might find the characters a bit too unlikeable. There’s not really anyone to cheer for here, which could be off-putting for some. Additionally, while the film’s irreverent tone is generally a plus, there are moments where it teeters on the edge of bad taste.

That said, if you’re a fan of pitch-black comedies like Heathers or World’s Greatest Dad, you’re going to eat this up. After watching Audrey, you will have a new perspective on family dynamics and the quest of fame—one that is refreshingly twisted. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who like their comedy with a hefty dose of cynicism, it’s a must-see. Audrey is one hell of a ride.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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