Somersault

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Somersault

2005,

1h 45m,

Drama/

LGBTQ+

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Watchlist

85%

72 Reviews

Tomatometer

71%

10,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

72 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Following a reckless encounter with her mother's boyfriend, teenage Heidi is forced to flee home and restart her life, finding refuge at a motel in the icy ski town of Jindabyne. There, she lands a job at a petrol station, befriends her warm co-worker Bianca, and meets Joe, a young man grappling with his own emotional baggage. As Heidi and Joe pursue a shaky relationship and search for normalcy against a bleak winter backdrop, they must confront their vices, feelings of isolation, and need for love and belonging. Cate Shortland's stunning feature debut is a "frank and visceral film that at the same time exudes an unexpected innocence" (Los Angeles Times). Featuring early performances from Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington, Somersault sheds light on the complexity of growing up and the quiet ache of loneliness.

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Critics Consensus

A poignant coming-of-age tale marked by a breakout lead performance from Abbie Cornish and a successful directorial debut from Cate Shortland.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Jul 14, 2022

This beautifully understated feature (2004) revolves around sex, but it’s neither erotic nor puritanical; its young characters are governed by their urges, but the experience itself seems as neutral and mysterious as sleep.

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Lisa Kennedy

Denver Post

Jul 14, 2006

2.5/4

Generous and authentic.

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Kimberley Jones

Austin Chronicle

May 27, 2006

3/5

It is pretty, and it stays just left of the dial of darlingness, and Cornish's is the most goddamn, gosh-wow debut I've seen in years.

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Sebastian Zavala Kahn

Ventana Indiscreta

Feb 24, 2026

4.5/5

An intimate portrait of a wounded teenager who runs away from home in search of identity and affection in rural Australia. [Full review in Spanish].

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Kathy Fennessy

Seattle Film Blog

Feb 24, 2026

4/4

Somersault is an exceptionally fine film, eminently deserving of restoration and rediscovery.

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Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

Feb 20, 2026

A visceral exploration of neglect, connection, identity, shame, isolation, sexuality, and love in all its many forms.

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Cate Shortland

Director

Abbie Cornish

Heidi

Sam Worthington

Joe

Lynette Curran

Irene

Erik Thomson

Richard

Hollie Andrew

Bianca

Time of Favor

58%

78%

Time of Favor

Watchlist

Welcome

87%

86%

Welcome

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Ta Ra Rum Pum

56%

72%

Ta Ra Rum Pum

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... And They Lived Happily Ever After

59%

33%

... And They Lived Happily Ever After

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Innocence

81%

69%

Innocence

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Synopsis

Following a reckless encounter with her mother's boyfriend, teenage Heidi is forced to flee home and restart her life, finding refuge at a motel in the icy ski town of Jindabyne. There, she lands a job at a petrol station, befriends her warm co-worker Bianca, and meets Joe, a young man grappling with his own emotional baggage. As Heidi and Joe pursue a shaky relationship and search for normalcy against a bleak winter backdrop, they must confront their vices, feelings of isolation, and need for love and belonging. Cate Shortland's stunning feature debut is a "frank and visceral film that at the same time exudes an unexpected innocence" (Los Angeles Times). Featuring early performances from Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington, Somersault sheds light on the complexity of growing up and the quiet ache of loneliness.

Director: Cate Shortland
Screenwriter: Cate Shortland
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Red Carpet Productions Pty. Ltd
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 28, 2005, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Feb 20, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 23, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $91.9K
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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