DEB, THE
(director/writer: Rebel Wilson; screenwriters: Hannah Reilly & based on her stage play, story by Megan Washington; cinematographer: Ross Emery; editors: Jane Moran, Jill Bilcock; music: Megan Washington, Michael Yesersky; cast: Rebel Wilson (Janette), Tara Morice (Shell), Naomi Sequeira (Lucinda), Hal Cumpsion (Mitch), Natalie Abbott (Taylah), Charlotte Macinnes (Maeve), Stevie Jean (Annabelle), Shane Jacobson (Rick); Runtime: 121; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Rebel Wilson, Len Blatnanik, Gregor Cameron, Amanda Ghost, David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin; Ai Film; 2024-Australia/USA)
“Couldn’t get me to care about its characters.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
This is the directorial debut of Rebel Wilson, the Australian actress. Her film is based on the stage play by Hannah Reilly and story by Megan Washington. It’s co-written by Wilson and Reilly.
The misguided activist, who proclaims herself a model for feminism, Maeve (Charlotte MacInnes), takes over her exclusive big-city private school. For this stunt, the school suspends her and she’s self-exiled to live in the Bush, in the dusty fictional town of Dunburn with her teenage cousin Taylah (Natalie Abbot), her opposite, and her father Rick (Shane Jacobson).
Despite poor execution, the zany plot sometimes sparkles with sharp dialogue, goofy quips and lively songs.
The narrative is built around the debutante ball and its 100th anniversary celebration. During the festivities the shy Taylah responds by overcoming her timidity, as the festivities call attention to the poor town’s drought.
The silly Aussie film is geared for a local audience.
There’s also a subplot that involves Taylah’s father, the town mayor, who is searching for ways to help his town survive.
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The third act is a mess, as the story couldn’t get me to care about its characters.
Please note, “The Deb” is behind-the-scenes currently involved in an ugly legal battle between Wilson and the producers. That story might prove to be more interesting than the film’s.
It played at the Toronto Film Festival.
REVIEWED ON 10/17/2024 GRADE: C
dennisschwartzreviews.com