I’m the only man in a cinema filled with women. I’m trying to look too cool for school… but it doesn’t show. I’m laughing. I’m crying. I’m enjoying this movie and I don’t care who knows it.

The Dressmaker is another shining beacon in the ever-growing list of quality Australian productions over the last few years. I know I sound like a broken record about domestic films and continually harp on about how great they are, but it’s the straight-up truth, and this movie is no different. The Dressmaker is truly an emotional rollercoaster.

A period piece set in rural 1951 Victoria and based off Rosalie Ham’s best selling novel of the same name, Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet) is the prodigal daughter in The Dressmaker who, to the misery of her townsfolk, returns after 25 years of exile. Her mother, ‘Mad Molly’ (Judy Davis in a scene-stealing role), is off the rails and cannot remember her own child. Molly is a house hermit whose problems with cleanliness and manners are only scratching the surface. Understandably, she and Tilly have a rocky relationship.

The town itself is full of whimsical characters played by a mélange of elite Australian actors; Hugo Weaving, Shane Bourne, Shane Jacobson, Rebecca Gibney, Gyton Grantley, and the strapping, younger Hemsworth – Liam. Hemworth plays Teddy – an honest and caring footballer who might be the only person in the town who doesn’t hate Tilly.

So, what did Tilly do? I won’t spoil too much but it stems from the allegation that, when she was younger, she murdered a young boy from her school. This allegation was manifested by the town’s incestuous nature – the result of a small collection of about 20 people who don’t care too much for outsiders, especially one that has culture, style and poise.

Tilly returns to the village from her exile – and from Paris. As she adjusts to the country lifestyle, Tilly finds her skills come in handy and her worth suddenly rises. However, this is to her detriment, as residents who truly believe she is a murderer go to extreme lengths to make sure she is aware that her presence is not welcomed. Soon it comes to light that Tilly is back for more than to remember her past. Revenge is in order, and the truth will come out.

There is so much going on in this movie. Truthfully, The Dressmaker is about more than Tilly – it’s about her mother, her town, her past and, ultimately, her future. There are plenty of genuinely funny moments, which makes for stark contrast when you find yourself reaching for a tissue during the sadder moments.

The setting is a quaint, quintessential Aussie battler’s town, with cliché pushed aside to promote comical tropes – the ‘clean freak’, the God-fearing doctor, the sleazy counsellor, etc. The Dressmaker makes for a witty and enjoyable ride, and a story that feels like it could have only been made here in Australia… which is just the kind of films we should be making, supporting and watching.