"The Tree"

2010 * Not Rated * 1h 40m   What an absolutely gorgeous film. It's a gently-paced story about love, loss, and healing. "The Tree" stars the always wonderful Charlotte Gainsbourg and the young and immensely talented Morgan Davies. If you're looking for a film that's just pure poetry in filmmaking, don't miss this one.

Dawn (Gainsbourg) lives in the Australian Outback  with her husband and four children. While returning from a job delivering a pre-fab home, her husband suddenly dies. After the initial shock, the family members deal with his passing in their own way and move on. While climbing a massive and gnarly tree adjacent to their house, six-year old Simone (Davies), hears her father's voice speaking to her through the rustling leaves. Dawn also gains comfort in sitting in the tree and conversing with her late husband. In order to pay the bills, Dawn takes a job with a plumber George (Marton Csokas), and the two become romantically involved. 

The film is shot in the beautiful part of northern Australia, and it provides a perfect backdrop for the action. The family takes a vacation to the shore, and the scenery is stunning. Just miles and miles of pristine shoreline. George joins them, and it causes a bit of friction with the children. When they return home, it's discovered that the roots of the gigantic tree are ruining their plumbing. Theft that they need to cut it down is more than a bit upsetting to young Simone. I thought it beautifully symbolized her inability to let go of her father. When the film was over, I just sat there for a bit to collect myself. It's quite a moving experience. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Kanopy.com (with your library card).