Names can often be deceiving, and The Dressmaker is a great example of not allowing the name of a film from being the only deciding factor on whether to watch it or not. The name seems to imply a Victorian piece about a character who makes dresses. Maybe it’s for a dance or some formal event that will have a life altering impact. However, this Jocelyn Moorhouse film features odd comedic moments, a crazy plot, and some impressive acting in a story that is not revealed by the title. Except, that the lead character is, in fact, a dressmaker.
The Dressmaker is more than one might expect
Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet) returns to her small town home in Australia with her sewing machine and a goal to end her curse. Her memories of her childhood are foggy and she hopes to help her aging, sick mother (Judy Davis) while getting revenge on those who sent her away for a crime she can’t remember if she’s guilty of. The story unfolds in what seems like a mystery film, but through oddly over the top situations.
Winslet does what she always does and performs expertly. Her character Tilly is so complex and uses her tools to fight the battle. The characters in the town are crazy and add to the quirkiness of the film. Hugo Weaving is memorable as a police officer who wants to be a dressmaker himself, but is too afraid of the town’s judgemental ways. Liam Hemsworth plays the town hunk, but is from a dysfunctional family with lots of siblings. Every member of the town has some quirk and is guilty of some sin or another, but their worst quality is their judgemental nature.
Moorhouse and co-writer P.J. Hogan adapted a novel by Rosalie Ham really seem to build a story that looks at the idea of guilt and judgement. Some of the most judgemental members of the town are guilty of the most sins. It allows for the narrative to slowly pull back the layers of the story and what makes this film stand out against many others.
Final thoughts
The Dressmaker was definitely not what was expected. Yet, it was a pleasant surprise like ordering a cheese pizza and opening the box to see a meat lovers instead. Winslett always brings it and a quirky story is always a fun watch. The Dressmaker earns the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating and is currently available to stream on Amazon Instant.
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