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Australian Boonies, A New Arrival, What Could Go Wrong?

The Australian boonies, a new arrival, what could go wrong? Plenty, if you watch late writer/director Shirley Barrett’s offbeat take on a humorous love triangle in “Love Serenade” (1996). I’ve always been fascinated with Australia. So fascinated, I’ve never visited the place lest my impression is shattered if I do. Instead, I enjoy the country through movies, music, and TV shows. And Love Serenade is one of the movies that definitely reinforces the view I have of that country.

Synopsis

The Setup

Life is pretty bland in backwater town Sunray until our Lothario, a likely washed-up Brisbane Radio DJ, Ken Sherry arrives. Twice divorced, he’s a breath of fresh air for two single sisters residing there. As luck would have it, Vicki and her younger sister Dimity, share a house next door to the one Ken moves into. While Vicki is quite explicit in her desire to cozy up to him, Dimity takes a more subtle curiosity in the new arrival. In fact, it’s Vicki’s aggressive designs on Ken that trigger Dimity’s interest in the new tai chi practicing neighbor. Vicki’s insistence that Dimity stay away from Ken, does the very opposite. Before you know it, both are at heading for a confrontation over him.

And Kenny? He laps it all up with a quiet sense of humor. Despite his warning them he’s bad news, they can’t help themselves.

The Conclusion

The runaway train of flirtatious dilly dallying goes to worse, with the sisters at war, and situation is not pretty at all. You want to laugh, if not for the obvious message Vicki and Dimity seem to be missing. Ah, but actually they eventually do, albeit too late. What transpires is a conclusion that no one sees coming. In fact, the end is so far out, it’s actually impractical. But that is likely not what Shirley Barrett cares about. The scenario she’s portraying, using the darkest of humor is actually a more ironical take on the game of love. What happens, what can one take from the film? You’d need to watch for the ending, leaving you to yourself to form your own conclusion. That it’s telling is quite sad, despite being cloaked in a wrapping of humor.

Primary Cast

The cast being Australian unknowns to me, gives Love Serenade a slightly more realistic feel. And their performance is exemplary to say the least.

Miranda Otto

Playing the younger, somewhat socially challenged off-kilter Dimity, Miranda is a delight to watch as she gives off an unbalanced vibe. Which is precisely the personal needed to play off her overly self-conscious pretentious sister, Vicky.

Rebecca Frith

Not much is known about Rebecca Frith, but a fine performance from her as a desperate, insecure older sister. There is always a sense of edgy drama around her character.

George Shevtsov

We’ve all met someone like Sherry in our lives. His portrayal of a man with almost no redeemable qualities, yet women adore, rather like for that very reason is brilliant. Yet another actor I know little about, adding to the film’s lure.

My Take

The movie’s a treat on many different levels. It succeeds in feeding my fascination for Australia with the hot, dusty, scenario well covered by the cinematography. The small-town environment with the two women understandably fighting over the cad is so understandable, which I find it both humorous and deeply unfortunate. Shirley Barrett has created a women-centric story, but one which a man can enjoy as well.

The popular 70s soundtracks are a wonderful addition and liven up pace a bit. The hints to the supernatural, fuelled by Dimity’s odd personality add to the mix, making Love Serenade a treat to watch. Needless to say, the film’s theme makes it unsuitable for minors.

YouTube / Sydney Film Festival

Some Trivia

The movie is dedicated to stuntman Collin Dragsbaek who died performing the final dramatic scene, which has been kept in the movie. Bear that in mind when you see that scene.

Love Serenade is Shirley Barrett’s first full length movie and it won her a Best New Director award in 1996.

The only thing that bothered me was the use of apparently Caucasian actor John Alansu playing Dimity’s Asian boss.

Final Words

Love Serenade checks all the boxes for me in the portrayal of small-town Australia (though Aussies would likely be amused to hear this), dark humor with quirky characters, and something to feed my intellect. And the cool soundtrack is the icing on the cake. The film was a pleasant surprise for me, and if you’re like me, it’ll be a fun watch for you too.