The buttoned-down, superstitious Kay is attempting to lead a normal existence with her new boyfriend Louis. That’s until Sweetie, her rampaging, devil-may-care sister, returns home after an absence, exposing the rotten roots of their family and placing a strain on Kay and Louis’ relationship.
Direction
Campion's debut announces a singular, fearless visual voice.
Acting
Geneviève Lemon's Sweetie is gloriously, terrifyingly unhinged.
Cinematography
Sally Bongers' framing makes suburban Australia feel fever-dream strange.
Director
Jane Campion
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of the 1989-1992 Australian New Wave alongside Strictly Ballroom and Muriel's Wedding, though Campion's vision is far more abrasive and less crowd-pleasing.
The infamous tree house was built specifically for production and became so structurally unsound that crew members refused to enter it; Lemon performed her own stunts inside.
AU
