Cate Shortland directs Abbie Cornish, Sam Worthington and Lynette Curran in this coming of age drama about a sexually active young girl who runs away to an off-season ski town. 

First time I watched this on release the small town setting and twee twinkly soundtrack felt cliched. But it has aged quite well, powered by a glacial visual sense that evokes a sensual, worn world of woollen clothing, motel rooms and frozen farm land. The acting is solid but Shortland explores the youths’ uncertain sexuality with a tactile sensitivity. Cornish’s adorable yet fragile lead kid slowly figuring out that easy seduction isn’t the best long term foundation for happy relationships is essayed elegantly. She feels constantly at risk – financially given her near homeless status, and emotionally given just about everyone else’s degrading assessment of her. Watching her silently consider prostitution or oblivion as her options run low is devastating.

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