Film No. 20 (2022) March 6th. 10.30 PM Cinema 3. LUNA, Leederville.
"It's hard to find someone who can make a good pattern. It's seriously impossible" (Hamish comments to Liebe on one of the dilemmas he faces as a serious fashion designer).
A STITCH IN TIME is a sweet melodrama. The film has a heart the size of the old sewing machine our key character, Leibe uses to help change her life. It's not a great film but it's a good film with a great message. A message, hopefully, that might have an impact on older folk who are toying with the idea of giving up on their dreams.
In Maggie Blinco (Liebe) and Glenn Shorrock (Duncan), first time feature director Sasha Hadden found leads who generate the emotion his film deserved. Liebe is lacking in self esteem and we soon see why. Partner of 50 years, Duncan, is a frustrated singer/ musician with a narcissistic streak that suffocates Liebe. In her twenties she was a talented dress maker, so when Duncan is sacked from his local RSL gig, Liebe cranks up her old Singer sewing machine. Her idea is to make one off pieces of clothing and sell them at a weekend market.
While Hadden's script is at times overly earnest, messages of compassion, community, resilience and risk-taking are reinforced in most scenes. Liebe's two key friendships, those with "blast from the past" Christine (Belinda Giblin) and "market mentor"Hamish (Hoa Xuande) give her the material and emotional help Liebe needs to sew and realise her talents.
We are never under the impression Liebe is going to be a designer to the stars. Hadden keeps the feet of his film firmly on the ground. His script, while earnest, has substance, with a surprising turn or two along the way.
Liebe has to separate herself from family and friends, in a key twist, as she truly changes her life. How does she become truly independent? Well, she risks all, embraces a new sociological challenge and becomes even more whole! Catch a showing of A STITCH IN TIME, you'll see what I mean. 9GUMS.
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