Sissy 2021 Australian Bush Horror

Mother of Movies loves Australian horror. Sissy is the newest horror film from Down Under. The title spruiks not only Aussie bushland and accents but even our humble meat pie gets to be in it. The title follows Cecilia, an influencer, who just wants to give those that feel bad a reason to get up in the morning. Cecelia (Aisha Dee) has amassed around 200,000 loyal followers. They all tune in to her live feeds about how to feel seen and loved. Sissy screened at 2022’s Fantasia Film Festival in July by writer-director duo Hanna Barlow and Kane Senes.

With a flair for practical effects, the Sissy movie lends itself a sympathetic ear to our protagonist. Despite a burgeoning public image, there is something just not quite right about this quietly spoken woman. And when she randomly runs into her old friend Emma there’s certain simmering neediness that begins to emerge. Emma (Hannah Barlow) invites her old bestie to her engagement party and insists that she come along for old-time sakes. Emma is extremely intoxicated by the time Cecelia arrives. However, after karaoke on stage and some stomach-churning vomiting from her old pal, Cecelia gets a very personal invitation to her impending hen’s night.

Sissy, A Horror Movie With An Influencer

What we learn about Cecilia comes in waves via sporadic flashbacks that flicker through childhood memories. It’s easy to see that Cecelia’s memories of the days gone by lend far more importance to her than anyone now. What’s more, her relished childhood best friend is still extremely close to her nemesis from school Alex. When everyone arrives safely at Alex’s house the energy shifts from a raucous joyful event to one that is completely awkward. Alex couldn’t be more unpleased about the arrival of Cecelia and takes no cues from anyone to make peace with the past.

The audience is left to imagine what might have occurred between two young children to have caused so much angst. Bullying is mentioned in stifled conversations. But finally, Alex (Emily De Margheriti) erupts in anger about the scars she has to face every day amongst taunts that Cecelia is unhinged. Of course, so much time has passed that the seriousness of her scars is immediately swept under the carpet.

Until we are shown exactly what went down between the two, deciding on whose side to be on is a difficult choice. Alex is mean. She comes across as spiteful. And she mockingly brings the rest of the group around to her way of looking at things when Cecelia isn’t around. It’s only Emma who seems to have some empathy for what initially seems like a broken soul in need of forgiveness and acceptance.

Australian Horror Movies

That is until the bodies start to drop. Despite some quite obvious placement for impending events to come, the Sissy movie brings some tactical violence and gore that is both unexpected and surprising. Character stereotypes are mercifully pushed aside. Instead, we are treated to a more woke and pleasant group setting. Sissy 2022 embraces the disabled, LGBTQ+, and multicultural personalities that were a treat to get to know. What the storyline lacks in being unpredictable is made up for with surprisingly enjoyable anecdotes from its super enjoyable casting choices.

I enjoyed Sissy quite a bit. Both for its ability to incorporate so many contemporary themes and because for a slasher revenge film, it mixes up the usual script.

The Sissy movie is rated

3.5 squashed heads out of 5

The Sissy movie was picked up by the horror streaming platform Shudder. Shudder will release the film on Thursday 29th September 2022.

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