All About E (2015)

I just didn't get All About E. Why does Johnny have such a hold over E (and she over him)? This was never really explained. On the road trip, why do houses appear on one side of the highway while the view straight ahead is just a rural landscape? Why is the turn-off to Hay somewhere between Wollongong and Melbourne, when it's actually in western NSW? Why does the clock on the wall give a different time from the one on the mobile phone? Why does Johnny believe he knows for sure where E is purely on the basis of a postcard he finds? Having arrived at what he believes to be E's hide-out (with no evidence), how does Johnny then know the way across paddocks to a tin shed (20km away) where the girls, their dog, and the gay boy, Matt, have fled? Why does the dog suddenly recover from the poisoned meat Johnny gave it? Why does a light plane suddenly appear? Why is the door of the plane open but closed a split second later? Why did the film not have any effect on me at all?

All About E is an excellent Australian lesbian feature film. A film that skilfully combines comedy, adventure, suspense, identity and the quest for love. Against the backdrop of an array of Australian landscapes the main characters set out to explore their pasts, test and strengthen friendships and question their life choices. A road movie, complete with breathtaking scenery, a unique car chase and plenty of adventures. The sound track is fantastic and I've heard is out on CD. I'll be searching this CD down as many of the tracks are still buzzing around my head. Two of the main characters, E and her best gay friend Matt, have a witty and enjoyable rapport that had me laughing out loud on many occasions. The scenes with E and her family are poignant and explore some of the complexities facing gays and lesbians within their family dynamics. I totally enjoyed this film and highly recommend it. For audiences outside of Australia, it's a great experience of Australian scenery and our unique humour.

Loved seeing the film - in fact, so much so, I've watched it three times. The whole cast is great, but the three leads are particularly good, including newcomer Mandahla Rose who is especially terrific in her role as a somewhat conflicted musician-turned-DJ on the run from her boss with a stash of cash. She's tough but tender and like all the women in the film, strong and determined. Loved the Lebanese back story (the scene with E's mother really resonated) along with the original soundtrack music. The characters are multidimensional rather than the usual clichés we often see in Australian films - especially ones with LGBTQI characters or ones with outback settings. Even the two drag queens and E's best friend didn't conform to the stereotypes we are so often presented with of bitchy gay men. Totally refreshing! Culturally it's also diverse and beautifully filmed in places - the farm scenes especially bring the landscape alive.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and have seen it multiple times at various festival screenings. It is entertaining, punchy, refreshing and doesn't conform to the stereotypes forced on many queer films. It does not need to be overly tragic and dark to be taken seriously but still explores the relevant themes of acceptance, tolerance and heart-break. There is humour and multi- culturalism that is often lacking in other films.For first-time writer/director Louise Wadley it was an ambitious project with so many locations but it's a triumph - the clubs, the country, the city; Australia is portrayed so dynamically. Brett Rogers was the stand-out for me in a difficult, transformative role that had to balance being (essentially) the sole comic relief as well as a self-conscious misfit.Please watch! Support good Australian cinema!