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May 06, 2019mswrite rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Was not expecting that ending. I have not read the book upon which this movie is based, so I can't speak to the film's faithfulness to its origin source. But I liked it.... sort of. Actually, I liked The Dressmaker quite a lot; I just wasn't prepared for its wild shifts in tone or jaw-dropping shocks. Its strengths are a uniformly excellent cast--with standout performances from Kate Winslet as the titular character, Hugo Weaving as the intriguing and rather poignant local constable, Liam Hemsworth, hunky and tender as the farmer with whom Tilly finds love, and especially Miss Judy Davis as Mad Molly, Tilly's wily mum--and a dialogue that zings with droll humor and sharp, vinegary wit. (Also a shout out to young Darcy Wilson, who plays the child Tilly to heartbreaking perfection.) But as I said, The Dressmaker's sudden turns and mood shifts means it probably won't be to everyone's taste. If you're looking for a film experience that is truly offbeat, give it a chance. You've never seen anything quite like it--and that's a good thing, actually.