Directed by Australian filmmaker Jocelyn Moorhouse and co-written with PJ Hogan, The power of fashion (The Dressmaker, 2015) interweaves genres such as revenge western, romantic drama, and comedy, within the setting of a small town with big secrets. The film, starring Kate Winslet (The regime) as Myrtle Dunnage, reflects a woman’s return to the arid environment of Dungatar to confront a dark past and transform her present with needle and thread. Hugo Weaving, Liam Hemsworth and Judy Davis They add depth to the story with their interpretations, complementing a story that challenges artistic and cultural conventions.
In the 1950s, Myrtle, armed with her Parisian style and unwavering determination, confronts the mysteries that forced her into exile as a child. The film receives praise for its “cyclothymic universe”, in the words of director Moorhouse, which captures the essence of a small town with dramatic intensity and moments of comic lightness. Critics especially celebrate Winslet’s ability to navigate this duality, leading the plot toward a conclusion that mixes cathartic relief with the rawest human drama.
“In the 1950s, an Australian dressmaker who had triumphed in Paris returned to her hometown, where she left wounded and offended some time ago. There she will reconcile with her mother, who is very sick, she will transform local fashion and find love in the most unexpected way,” advances the synopsis of this drama that you can watch on Netflix.
In addition to its captivating plot, The power of fashion stands out for its exceptional costume design, the work of Marion Boyce and Margot Wilson, which not only exalts the transformation of the characters but adds a layer of visual sophistication to the film. From the production angle, Sue Maslin plays a crucial role in bringing to the screen this story, distributed by Energía Entusiasta and with a duration of 118 minutes, which offers a cinematographic experience as unique as its protagonist.
While Winslet embodies resilience and defiance in the face of prejudice, Davis and Hemsworth deliver performances that enrich the narrative, each bringing nuances that highlight Myrtle’s tumultuous journey. Weaving, for his part, adds a dimension of vulnerability and humanity to her character, highlighting the film’s theme of acceptance and personal transformation.
The power of fashion It represents more than just a story of revenge or fashion; “It is a commentary on the impact of returning to one’s roots to confront the past and forge a new future,” Moorhouse commented on the inspiration behind the project. This collaborative effort not only manages to entertain but also invite reflection on universal themes such as family, love and redemption.
The film’s reception underscores its ability to surprise and delight audiences, defying expectations and providing an emotionally rich and visually stunning cinematic journey. As Myrtle’s story unfolds, viewers are transported to a world where fashion becomes the vehicle of change and empowerment, a potent reminder of how creativity and determination can alter the course of a life and, ultimately, extension, of an entire community.
With a bold mix of genres and a stellar cast, The power of fashion establishes itself as an outstanding representative of contemporary Australian cinema, challenging limits and offering a refreshing perspective on narrative and art in the seventh art. This film, as peculiar in its conception as it is commendable in its execution, stands as a testimony to the constant evolution of cinema and its power to transform and enchant.
