ENDNOTES monotone’s local debuts of 2025, top picks
It’s not always easy to choose and rank within a wealth of talent but in reading our review of Yurlu | Country we here at monotone mag think you’ll quickly understand why it is our top pick for Australian film debuts of 2025. Through heated brainstorming (debates) we also managed to agree on a few honourable mentions and recommended watches in A Grand Mockery by Sam Dixon & Adam C. Briggs, Bring Her Back by Danny & Michael Philippou, One More Shot by Nicholas Clifford, Pasa Faho by Kalu Oji and Fwends by Sophie Somerville.
As well as addressing a global lens we want to acknowledge the importance of our home of cinema and the Australian talent that is bubbling just under the surface. Seemingly forever undervalued, not only by our own population, there is an inevitable wealth of exciting new film makers, actors, cinematographers, and all the rest just itching to get the recognition they deserve. While it’s not unheard of for Australian stars to make it big in Hollywood, it’s often that they don’t get their flowers until they’re acknowledged by Tinseltown. There are infinite stories to be told that don’t just have to be held on uniquely Australian experiences. While it’s always special to see something hyper specific portrayed on the big screen, the films that don’t continue to conflate Australian stereotypes rarely make it to the top. A disservice to the industry and to the audience to miss the narratives aching to shine.
A Grand Mockery
Filmed on super 8 in classic 4:3 aspect ratio, A Grand Mockery is a conflict of the mind, a difficult and enthralling watch that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Driven to madness by the monotony of day to day life Josie (Sam Dixon) flees from Brisbane through Queensland’s tropical rainforests. A debut role for Full Flower Moon Band’s frontwoman Kate Dillon whose character’s suffering juxtaposes the ample self pity portrayed by first time writer, actor and director Sam Dixon. This absurdest adventure privy to reviews across the spectrum, with anyone's guess where the audience will land.
Cast: Sam Dixon, Kate Dillon, Jim O’ Leary Director: Sam Dixon, Adam C. Briggs Quote: “Worthless. I’m a worthless contribution to society”
Bring Her Back
Unlikely to have the cult acclaim of Danny and Michael Philippou’s burst into the scene of Talk to me but a single watch may be enough to stick with you forever. Again flirting with the supernatural, Bring Her Back follows unfathomable rituals by a desperate mother who is trying to fill a void that can never be done. A harrowing horror not to be added to your rewatch rotation, even with or maybe partially due to Sora Wong’s stellar debut performance.
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips. Director: Danny and Michael Philippou Quote: “It’s working! It’s working!”
One More Shot
A magic bottle of tequila and an impossible choice - would you give up your chance at love so your friend could have theirs? It’s new years 1999 with your Aussie favourites from Lemony Snicket, Lockie Leonard, Fear Street and the Bold Type. While there are deeply funny elements in both the writing and performance, comedy classification might be a bit of a stretch for Nicholas Clifford’s feature directorial debut. Nonetheless, it’s a viable movie night watch.
Cast: Emily Browning, Sean Kingston, Aisha Dee, Ashley Zukerman Director:Nicholas Clifford Quote: “What time is it?” “It’s party time!”
Pasa Faho
This film delves into the forgotten importance of shopping districts that house ethnic enclaves, a semblance of safety in numbers and the dream of prosperity. The importance of one's livelihood, the business they’ve built and Azubuike is here to stand his ground. He’s fighting to teach his son (debuted by Tyson Palmer) the ways of his world and give him the stability every kid needs. In a celebration of African-Australian life Igbo-Australian writer/director Kalu Oji invites the audience into a world that is so often overlooked and under-appreciated.
Cast: Okey Bakassi, Tyson Palmer Director: Kalu Oji Quote: “They can take my shop but there are some things they will never take from me”
Fwends
Director Sophie Somerville’s debut film is representative of generational sentiment, where are we going, what are we doing and what’s going on? By balancing some heavy topics, with comedic relief, Fwends immerses the audience in the highs and lows of trying to rekindle a long distance, long term friendship. A film improvised on the streets of Naarm, providing plenty of easter eggs for local residents and a very direct way to hit home.
Cast: Emmanuelle Mattana, Melissa Gan Director: Sophie Somerville Quote: “Can you please teach me how to stop biting my nails? Please, I beg you.
