While out in the ocean examining coral reefs, Australian marine biologist Abby (Canberra's own Mia Wasikowska) is called back home with the news that her activist mother has had a debilitating stroke, which has left her unable to speak. Abby begins reflecting on her childhood and the immense influence that her mother, Dora (Radha Mitchell), had on her worldview. Through flashbacks, we meet the teenage Abby (newcomer Ilsa Fogg) who encounters and befriends a magnificent wild blue groper while diving. Affectionately naming it Blueback, the fish becomes a reminder of the wonders the ocean has to offer while sparking a lifelong interest in Abby to protect its inhabitants.

Based on the novel by Tim Winton, director Robert Connolly’s (The Dry, Balibo) latest film is a beautifully moving look at mother-daughter relationships and inherited missions – with stunning blue vistas that demand to be experienced on the big screen. See it with someone you care about.

Redheaded Raylene (Krew Boylan) – known to her friends as “Red” – works for a real estate firm, but her secret passion and obsession is Dolly Parton. She lives Dolly, breathes Dolly, and even turns up to the company dinner dressed as Dolly. And it’s as Dolly that she has one too many drinks, embarrasses herself, and gets fired. But this turns out to be the start of her true calling as a professional Dolly Parton impersonator. In this role as someone else, can she find her true self?

Whatever the answer that question, it’s pleasing to watch Red grow from a mediocre karaoke performer to a first-rate imitation in this highly agreeable and amiable Australian comedy that also features Bobby Cannavale, Celeste Barber and Rose Byrne as an Elvis impersonator. Dolly Parton fans will get more of the in-jokes, but any viewer will have a hard time not falling for Red.