Performances were totally one dimensional; the two leads have the emotional capacity of porcelain dolls. Needless to say, the human element in this movie is non-existent. Photographically, the look of the film is flat and uninspired (although, I admit, the slums of St Kilda don't exactly exude creative potential). There is little to no plot. It's nothing more than a pithy attempt to virtue-signal to the homeless community by trying to moralise and aggrandise those who are disaffected. What it amounts to however, is something that more closely resembles a myopic propaganda piece than an actual attempt at telling a human story. :(
The only upside is that, if you are unfortunate enough to watch this, your disaffection won't last long. 74 minutes?!!
27 Reviews
A dreadful, dull, self-indulgent, pointless mess
OzteamMD12 January 2023
I watched this film with my wife. As a resident of St Kilda, this film did not even come close to capturing the experience of the people experiencing homelessness.
Firstly, the production. This has some of the laziest and uninspired film work I have ever seen.
In one scene, Tina drops something and the camera lazily tilts down to show her picking it up. Would it really have been so hard to film a close up?
Or another scene that involved a shot out of a the rear of a moving car... You could clearly see the heat strip lines out of focus. It wasn't done well enough to be intentionally 'artsy', so it just looked terrible.
The plot was also meandering and pointless, the subplot involving Frances's partner was ridiculous. A heavy and serious topic that was casually thrown around, as if provide some validation as to why she (Frances) was in torment over her own health situation. But then it is simply never mentioned again.
Did the producers just want to show all men as monsters? There were other ways they could've provided Frances with the mental anguish, that wouldn't have sucked oxygen from the movie in this way.
The random switch to a country town was equally head scratching, as was the ending. Did the production team have free use of a house in country Victoria or something?
The film dawdles towards an ending that leaves you feeling like they left off the final third of the movie. With such bland, uninspired film making as their basis, it's hard to be critical of what were dull performances from the cast.
The creators, perhaps in their own heads, seemed to have forgotten that people would actually need to watch this mess.
Avoid. Simply avoid.
Firstly, the production. This has some of the laziest and uninspired film work I have ever seen.
In one scene, Tina drops something and the camera lazily tilts down to show her picking it up. Would it really have been so hard to film a close up?
Or another scene that involved a shot out of a the rear of a moving car... You could clearly see the heat strip lines out of focus. It wasn't done well enough to be intentionally 'artsy', so it just looked terrible.
The plot was also meandering and pointless, the subplot involving Frances's partner was ridiculous. A heavy and serious topic that was casually thrown around, as if provide some validation as to why she (Frances) was in torment over her own health situation. But then it is simply never mentioned again.
Did the producers just want to show all men as monsters? There were other ways they could've provided Frances with the mental anguish, that wouldn't have sucked oxygen from the movie in this way.
The random switch to a country town was equally head scratching, as was the ending. Did the production team have free use of a house in country Victoria or something?
The film dawdles towards an ending that leaves you feeling like they left off the final third of the movie. With such bland, uninspired film making as their basis, it's hard to be critical of what were dull performances from the cast.
The creators, perhaps in their own heads, seemed to have forgotten that people would actually need to watch this mess.
Avoid. Simply avoid.
Impressive new Australian film!
kimgearon21 February 2022
This is a story of resilience and connection, and of how society fails so many women and children. Why are there women sleeping rough on our streets when we live in an affluent city, in an affluent country?
Beautifully shot on the streets of St Kilda and in country Daylesford this movie gives us a glimpse into the life of a woman who has never had secure housing. A product of childhood trauma and abuse, she has no concept of the comforts that many of us take for granted.
While highlighting the violence and prejudice experienced while living on the streets, the movie also displays the supportive connections that can be made and possible pathways to a safer and more secure future. Secure housing for all is the most economical decision governments can make.
A brilliant debut film for writer and director, Catherine Hill. She elicits strong performances from her cast and treats the subject with empathy and respect. Cameron Zayec's cinematography is a delight, making this a beautiful film to watch. Highly recommended.
Beautifully shot on the streets of St Kilda and in country Daylesford this movie gives us a glimpse into the life of a woman who has never had secure housing. A product of childhood trauma and abuse, she has no concept of the comforts that many of us take for granted.
While highlighting the violence and prejudice experienced while living on the streets, the movie also displays the supportive connections that can be made and possible pathways to a safer and more secure future. Secure housing for all is the most economical decision governments can make.
A brilliant debut film for writer and director, Catherine Hill. She elicits strong performances from her cast and treats the subject with empathy and respect. Cameron Zayec's cinematography is a delight, making this a beautiful film to watch. Highly recommended.
Cowardly, complacent and sad
Amy_Chamberlain7323 March 2023
The story is trite and formulaic, relying on tired tropes and cliches to evoke a sense of emotional pathos. The characters are underdeveloped and lacking in any real depth or complexity, reducing the issue of homelessness to a simplistic and reductive portrayal.
It is a tragedy that this film is helmed by a female director, for it is clear that she lacks the creative ability and skill necessary to truly bring this story to life. Her direction is clumsy and uninspired, with no clear sense of purpose or vision. The camera work is amateurish and the editing haphazard, creating a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience.
What is most disappointing about this film is its missed opportunity to truly confront the systemic issues that lead to homelessness in our society. Instead of challenging the audience to grapple with the complex questions that surround this issue, the film offers nothing but platitudes and empty gestures. It is a work of cowardice and complacency, lacking the intellectual depth and moral courage necessary to truly engage with the world around us.
(1/10)
It is a tragedy that this film is helmed by a female director, for it is clear that she lacks the creative ability and skill necessary to truly bring this story to life. Her direction is clumsy and uninspired, with no clear sense of purpose or vision. The camera work is amateurish and the editing haphazard, creating a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience.
What is most disappointing about this film is its missed opportunity to truly confront the systemic issues that lead to homelessness in our society. Instead of challenging the audience to grapple with the complex questions that surround this issue, the film offers nothing but platitudes and empty gestures. It is a work of cowardice and complacency, lacking the intellectual depth and moral courage necessary to truly engage with the world around us.
(1/10)
Beautifully shot, eye opening
tfbnkkgcqd21 February 2022
Moving film which doesn't patronise it's audience. The way it's shot feels soft and gentle which is stark against the tough subject matter. Peta Brady's performance is excellent, I felt empathy and understanding for her character and a deeper understanding of the circumstances around chronic homelessness.
Compelling
jakem-1256129 November 2021
A really compelling and watchable drama about such an important and topical subject in Australia (let alone globally). Some Happy Day has some incredible performances, is wonderfully shot and is underpinned by a great soundtrack. Its great to see Australian talent manifest in such an important body of work. Film making in Australia continues to come of age - thoroughly recommended!
Best film I've seen all year
tiffbar-912886 December 2021
This is such an important Australian story. I wish it could to be shown to every politician and aired at every school in Australia. It's an incredibly sensitive, nuanced and insightful account of the life of a homeiess woman, with a stunning performance by Peta Brady who brings a quiet sense of dignity and humanity to her character. I was so impressed to learn that both Peta and director Catherine Hill have worked in homeiess social services. It's clear that the film has been made with a lot of heart, generosity, compassion and insight. I hope it gets wide distribution and all the accolades it deserves.
It will stay with you
leanneandjoel21 February 2022
A beautifully shot, authentic and powerful film about homelessness in Australia. Peta Brady's performance is outstanding. This is a compassionate film which reminds us that people don't chose to be without a home and that people can continue to move forward with resilience and determination, against the odds. This is an important film that will make a difference to how people think about homelessness and disadvantage in this country.
So powerful - I can't stop thinking about it
altreweek9 October 2022
This was so powerful. I can't stop thinking about this film. It's opened my eyes and left me feeling so much more empathy and heartbreak for people that don't have a home. If you don't know what it's like first hand, it's given me an incredible insight into the lives of people who are sleeping rough. Set in Melbourne and Daylesford, it really hits hard. It's a very emotional film that has been beautifully made. I highly recommend that everyone should watch this and share it as much as you can so that more people start the conversation about what we can all do to help make some changes to this situation we have right here in Australia.
Such a powerful story that leaves you full of empathy
jillbarth-7165721 February 2022
I was fortuitous to see Some Happy Day at the magnificent Classic Cinema last night. I absolutely loved it, and can't stop thinking about this film and it's reality. I admired the parallel stories and the music was outstanding. This movie has to get a bigger release to enable all Melbornian's/Australian's to have the opportunity to watch, and to feel empathy and understanding and to take action to incite change with homelessness.
I often walk those streets in St. Kilda, eat at those cafes, watch the buskers, walk to that popular beach and the surrounds. Most people wouldn't know what goes on, but this movie alerts us all to the fact that we have to do more to support homeless people, not only with adequate housing, but with everything that matters in life. Thank you to Catherine and Abe and the whole team that brought this movie into our lives. A huge thank you to all the workers at the Crisis Centre - what amazing people!
I was very proud of Peter George and JMC Academy's involvement. So many people were involved in the making. Congratulations to all of you.
The Q&A after the movie was inspiring. Thank you, brilliantly filmed and portrayed.
I often walk those streets in St. Kilda, eat at those cafes, watch the buskers, walk to that popular beach and the surrounds. Most people wouldn't know what goes on, but this movie alerts us all to the fact that we have to do more to support homeless people, not only with adequate housing, but with everything that matters in life. Thank you to Catherine and Abe and the whole team that brought this movie into our lives. A huge thank you to all the workers at the Crisis Centre - what amazing people!
I was very proud of Peter George and JMC Academy's involvement. So many people were involved in the making. Congratulations to all of you.
The Q&A after the movie was inspiring. Thank you, brilliantly filmed and portrayed.
A truly unexpected and refrreshing drama
hounds-5719928 November 2021
After a dirge of repetative street dramas dealing with rich/poor disparity, this truthful but left-of-centre piece starring some of Australia's most under-rated dramatic actors really hits the mark in the best possible way. The refreshing balance of characters, life situations and in-depth explorations gives a rich, hopeful and ultimately positive insight into the darker corners of everyday people, whether they be on the lower or upper end of the socioeconomic ladder.
Poignant portrayal of urban homeless
msolonsch20 February 2022
Some Happy Day provides a realistic portrayal of urban homelessness set in the Australian inner city suburb of St Kilda.
Against a backdrop of some of Australia's most popular tourist sites, the story of a homeless woman, Tina, is set against those around her. Some are seeking the best for her while others may not.
This is such an important story as it lays bare the reality of many homeless people who still have capacity, hopes and dreams - but for a variety of reasons can never break the cycle.
Some Happy Day succeeds in its realism through the perspective of the case worker, Frances, who must walk an incredibly sensitive tightrope.
A great movie that hopefully will make a real difference.
Against a backdrop of some of Australia's most popular tourist sites, the story of a homeless woman, Tina, is set against those around her. Some are seeking the best for her while others may not.
This is such an important story as it lays bare the reality of many homeless people who still have capacity, hopes and dreams - but for a variety of reasons can never break the cycle.
Some Happy Day succeeds in its realism through the perspective of the case worker, Frances, who must walk an incredibly sensitive tightrope.
A great movie that hopefully will make a real difference.
Beautiful and Powerful
kailah_cabanas18 May 2022
Deeply Beautiful
johnlloydfillingham20 February 2022
An astonishingly gentle, delicate and courageously clear eyed film. Its deceptive simplicity creates a profoundly moving intimacy. Filled with joy, beauty and light whilst never flinching from the truth of its subject matter.
This film was eye opening for me
lisabateman-7984621 February 2022
Like many people I am aware of people who are living rough on the streets in our city, Melbourne and cities and towns throughout the country and the world for that matter. This film opened my eyes further. Everyone would have a story to tell. In a country such as ours we should and can do more for people who find themselves on the streets for whatever reason.
The story was well told. The film was beautifully shot with a great selection of locations. With Daylesford Vic being an excellent choice for the 'new start' in life for both the main female actors. It is such a stunning backdrop for a new beginning. I also loved how the beautiful German Shepherd (Kaiser) brought Tina (Peta Brady) and Frances(Mary Helen Sassman) together towards the end and they head off down the road with a new sense of hope for a new beginning.
I would highly recommend anyone young or old to go and see it if you can, it is well worth it.
The story was well told. The film was beautifully shot with a great selection of locations. With Daylesford Vic being an excellent choice for the 'new start' in life for both the main female actors. It is such a stunning backdrop for a new beginning. I also loved how the beautiful German Shepherd (Kaiser) brought Tina (Peta Brady) and Frances(Mary Helen Sassman) together towards the end and they head off down the road with a new sense of hope for a new beginning.
I would highly recommend anyone young or old to go and see it if you can, it is well worth it.
Confronting reality for many
jneal-3147522 February 2022
Excellent portrayal of the vulnerability and resilience of people living day to day in a state of homelessness and the challenges they face in their lives. This beautifully crafted film is just the tip of the iceberg for the reality of men, women and children living in homeless situations.
The Lucky Country?
janet-5673022 February 2022
Just home from watching this amazing film at The Classic in Elsternwick.
I'm a woman in her late sixties, and I will hop into my lovely comfortable bed tonight (with my adorable toy poodle) and my heart will be filled with gratitude.
A marriage break-up, loss of a job, domestic violence, estrangement from family, a major health crisis, sexual abuse - any of these things could have happened to me (some have), and I could find myself in the position of being homeless. But I've been privileged, and this has not happened - YET!
Australia is not a third-world country and there is no need for anyone to sleep rough. I don't know what the answer is, but this film, in its raw beauty, shows us the 'face' of homelessness, and gives us hope for the future.
Thank you Catherine Hill for your tenacity and selflessness in bringing this film to us. Your film needs to be seen by politicians and big business.
I'm a woman in her late sixties, and I will hop into my lovely comfortable bed tonight (with my adorable toy poodle) and my heart will be filled with gratitude.
A marriage break-up, loss of a job, domestic violence, estrangement from family, a major health crisis, sexual abuse - any of these things could have happened to me (some have), and I could find myself in the position of being homeless. But I've been privileged, and this has not happened - YET!
Australia is not a third-world country and there is no need for anyone to sleep rough. I don't know what the answer is, but this film, in its raw beauty, shows us the 'face' of homelessness, and gives us hope for the future.
Thank you Catherine Hill for your tenacity and selflessness in bringing this film to us. Your film needs to be seen by politicians and big business.
A compelling and beautiful movie
kimmgould6 August 2022
You know those moves that are gentle and contemplative but seem too dreamy, as if you are floating above reality? This is absolutely not one of them. It is so delicate in its observation, so intimate in its portrayal I felt as if I was inside the movie rather than watching it. I was glued to my tv the entire time, as the story unfolded so intricately. The first few scenes set the tone, showing the day to day issues that people with homes just don't ever have to deal with, never even have to think about. There is no preaching or judgement, this is 'show not tell' at its best, and the acting is fantastic. I really enjoyed the two woman's stories intertwining. And somehow, amidst all this, the cinematography manages to be utterly beautiful. Easy 10/10.
Raw, Emotional and Inspiring
jessi-7573524 May 2022
An honest and confronting look into the struggles and challenges faced by those living on the streets. Some Happy Day captures the hope, resilience and humanity of the people so many of us forget whilst going about our own lives. I feel everyone should see this film and take to heart its message.
Close to the bone
lynallen-9177122 February 2022
I loved SHD I didn't want the movie to end, to go further into what was going to be the main characters future. As a past support worker for St Kilda's homeless, I found the movie very true to life and so impressed that the director and "Tina" work in this sector of the community. Congratulations on a beautiful production.
Such a beautiful film that tells a story about hope!
merranhamilton21 February 2022
I went to see Some Happy Day on its opening night at the Classic Cinema in Melbourne. I tells a story that should be told more often. Even though it is about life on the streets for homeless people. It is also a story of hope, change and new starts. It was visually beautiful and so very well acted.
Go and see it, it is well worth it.
Go and see it, it is well worth it.
Quietly gut punching
mfpimm15 March 2022
An experiential movie that draws you into the sometimes silent, sometimes in your face world of homelessness survival. It crosses all the 'normal' experiences of relationships, trust, women extricating their own needs from that of their partner, hopes, reality checks, bad decisions and endlessly pushing through. Beautifully filmed, seriously gritty female leads and what a joy to see Australian content at its best.
Insight into homelessness
Somersetse23 February 2022
Lovely film, that highlights the shared humanity and commonality between the two lead characters. Catherine Hill's writing and direction treat the issue of homelessness gently and with insight. Well worth viewing with wonderfull photography and strong lead performances.
Profoundly poignant
tcohara-352016 March 2022
A strong authentic film about two women at their lowest ebb who dare to hope and find the courage to change.
In step with the cinematographer Cameron Zeyec, director Catherine Hill leads us gently through the grey grit of St Kilda to the soft green of Daylesford. Performances from Peta Brady and Mary Helen Sassman are sterling, the direction and writing from Catherine Hill compelling.
Once in a while, an unflinching look at current social issues presents itself and challenges you to not look away. Some Happy Day is such a challenge. This powerful story and its images linger. Recommended.
In step with the cinematographer Cameron Zeyec, director Catherine Hill leads us gently through the grey grit of St Kilda to the soft green of Daylesford. Performances from Peta Brady and Mary Helen Sassman are sterling, the direction and writing from Catherine Hill compelling.
Once in a while, an unflinching look at current social issues presents itself and challenges you to not look away. Some Happy Day is such a challenge. This powerful story and its images linger. Recommended.
See also
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