Addition
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Short Take: The phrase originated in the film industry and means a short recording or "something that only takes a short time," especially if a longer version may be done later.
Short Take review: A short review of a scarier film with potential discussion points
Summary: In the world of Grace Lisa Vandenburg (Teresa Palmer), numbers are more than her career; they are an obsession. Her life as a mathematician centres on counting everything that comes into her personal space, along with a fascination with the late inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla (Eamon Farren). She struggles to connect with life's realities until Seamus (Joe Dempsie) enters her world and is captivated by her quirky charm. As they become lovers, this unlikely pair must come to terms with Grace's mental health issues and determine if they can make their relationship survive her numeric compulsions.
Review: Australia is not known for its romances, as it veers towards the darker side of the human condition in its portrayals of relationships. If this opposites-attract tale was meant solely as an opener for a discussion of the need for individuals with mental health issues to ask for help, Teresa Palmer's character screams out for assistance. Her portrayal is a standout in this story of numbers-counting obsessive-compulsive disorder. Yet, as a romance, this story does more to prove why couples should question if sex is the logical first step of relational ties, as opposed to finding out a bit more about the person they lust after across the table during a date.
While this film does provide hope for those with psychological challenges to find love, many viewers may walk away wondering why Joe Dempsie's character would stay in this devastating affair, outside of having regular sex with little to no obligation. This less-than-lighthearted journey of potentially doomed relationships in the world of mental health is less romance and more a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the need for mental health care for those on both sides of these relationships.
Reel Dialogue and Third Space have entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue: Can we be forgiven for our past?
Redemption was at the heart of Grace Lisa Vandenburg's mental health challenges. Not to spoil the conclusion, her condition stems from her need for redemption for their past. Her mental anguish can be linked back to a family tragedy that keeps her from living a normal life. This story shows audiences that some of life's basic needs are acceptance, forgiveness and redemption.
Many can relate to this reality as we travel through life; most of us come to a point where we seek redemption for various things we have done. Trying to find a means of rectifying the wrongs we have done to people, society or God. This concept lies at the heart of the Bible's message. Jesus' life and death provide a special type of redemption readily available to anyone willing to accept it.
