Abby’s mother Dora (Radha Mitchell in the early years) is a firebrand who fights the good fight and tries to keep tourism out of her beautiful seaside community. The teenage Abby (Ilsa Fogg) follows in her mother’s footsteps and becomes a staunch activist for protecting the ecosystem of Australia’s reefs.

During her teen years, she befriends a large blue grouper, which she names Blueback. This giant fish spurs her on and buttresses her desire to protect the inhabitants of the ocean. Her childhood is impossibly idyllic and she grows up with an undiminished passion to help.

Being unbelievably principled at such a young age while also being the most perfect daughter strains credibility. The film also oddly does its best to bleach the drama out of its most dramatic scenes. It relies on you being swept away by the natural beauty of the ocean and it’s quite successful in that manner. The story though could have used a more assertive approach to be more memorable.
Rob Hudson
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When the quiet reef at her coastal hometown is threatened by commercial fishing operators, Abby and her activist Mum take on poachers and developers to save her friend.

BLUEBACK is a feature film adaptation of Tim Winton’s best-selling and critically acclaimed novella; a universal fable for all ages about friendship, family and the power of one young girl to make a difference.

BLUEBACK is an Arenamedia production with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Western Australian Screen Fund, and is financed with support from Film Victoria, with Soundfirm. The producers gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance of the Great Southern Development Commission.

BLUEBACK is directed by Robert Connolly and stars Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg, Liz Alexander, Ariel Donoghue, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson, Erik Thomson, Eddie Baroo and Eric Bana.

BLUEBACK is coming to Australian cinemas on January 1, 2023.
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When the quiet reef at her coastal hometown is threatened by commercial fishing operators, Abby and her activist Mum take on poachers and developers to save her friend. Blueback is a feature film adaptation of Tim Winton’s best-selling and critically acclaimed novella; a universal fable for all ages about friendship, family and the power of one young girl to make a difference.

Blueback is an Arenamedia production with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Western Australian Screen Fund, and is financed with support from VicScreen, with Soundfirm. The producers gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance of the Great Southern Development Commission.

Blueback is directed by Robert Connolly and stars Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Ilsa Fogg, Liz Alexander, Ariel Donoghue, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson, Erik Thomson, Eddie Baroo and Eric Bana.

Blueback is coming to Australian cinemas on January 1, 2023.

www.facebook.com/roadshow/