The Turning is based on the best-selling book of short stories by Australian author Tim Winton.This big-screen adaptation is a collaboration between many writers and directors; each working on one the books segments. The film stars Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Hugo Weaving (The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies) and Rose Byrne (X-Men First Class).

Compilations like this run the risk of feeling disjointed however this film seems mostly to avoid that as the various tales intertwine and cover the whole range of the human experience from relationships to death.

The film employs some of the best tricks in low budget drama which is to focus on the human stories and performances and using some of the great natural landscapes available in Australia rather than expensive sets.

The film is held by a together reflective, haunting and ethereal score that holds the piece together. with some common themes

Visually the piece is surprisingly consistently shot however it does use some interesting and abstract shots and moving camera at times for effect. Some of the stories employ voice-over and narration to tell the tales.

4/5

Overall, this short-story format may feel like a lot to take in when adapted for film but the common threads, human stories, performance and score are enough to keep your interest through the piece.

The film is out in UK cinemas 6th February from distributor Soda Pictures.

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