Somersault (film)

Somersault
Theatrical release poster
Directed byCate Shortland
Written byCate Shortland
Produced byAnthony Anderson
Starring
CinematographyRobert Humphreys
Edited byScott Gray
Music byDecoder Ring
Production
company
Red Carpet Productions
Distributed byHopscotch Films
Release dates
  • 17 May 2004 (2004-05-17) (Cannes)
  • 16 September 2004 (2004-09-16) (Australia)
Running time
106 minutes
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish
BudgetA$4 million
Box officeA$2.1 million

Somersault is a 2004 Australian romantic drama film written and directed by Cate Shortland in her feature directorial debut. The film premiered on 16 September 2004 and was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. It received widespread critical acclaim and made history at the 2004 Australian Film Institute Awards by winning all 13 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Actress.

Set in the snowy mountain town of Jindabyne, New South Wales, the film follows 16-year-old Heidi (Abbie Cornish), who runs away from her Canberra home after making an advance toward her mother's boyfriend. Seeking connection and stability, she meets Joe (Sam Worthington), the emotionally reserved son of a local farmer, and begins a tentative relationship with him. The film explores themes of sexual awakening, emotional vulnerability, and personal identity.

The soundtrack, composed and performed by Australian band Decoder Ring, was nominated for Best Original Soundtrack Album at the 2004 ARIA Music Awards.