Palm Beach (2019 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Rachel Ward (director), Bryan Brown (co-producer) |
| Products | Comedy-drama film |
Palm Beach is a 2019 Australian comedy-drama film directed by Rachel Ward, featuring performances by Sam Neill and Bryan Brown, the latter of whom also served as co-producer.
Plot
The story centers on a gathering of lifelong friends who reunite for a celebration at Palm Beach, located in Sydney.
Cast
- Frances Berry as Caitlin
- Bryan Brown as Frank
- Matilda Brown as Ella
- Richard E. Grant as Billy
- Aaron Jeffery as Doug
- Jacqueline McKenzie as Bridget
- Heather Mitchell as Eva
- Sam Neill as Leo
- Greta Scacchi as Charlotte
- Charlie Vickers as Dan
- Lisa Hensley as Lorna
- Claire van der Boom as Holly
- Renee Lim as Dr. Hall
- Felix Williamson as Taxi Driver
Box office
Internationally, Palm Beach accumulated $3.2 million in revenue, with $3 million of that total generated within Australia.
Critical reception
On the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an approval rating based on multiple critiques, with an average score reflecting general consensus.
Sandra Hall from The Sydney Morning Herald compared Rachel Ward’s Palm Beach to a senior version of The Big Chill, set against the backdrop of Sydney’s northern beaches and featuring a cast of well-known Australian actors. Hall observed that while the cast performed admirably amid the picturesque setting, the film might have benefited from a more incisive screenplay. Similarly, Louise Keller of Urban Cinefile described the film as "a warm-hearted reunion of old friends and family," but remarked that it "lacks a certain edge."
Soundtrack
The film’s original soundtrack was released on 19 July 2019 by Universal Music Australia, achieving a peak position of number 37 on the ARIA Charts.