For everyone Film review: Of An Age (Head Gear Films)

Some of the best films ever made rest on the simplest of set-ups. So it is with emerging filmmaker Goran Stolevski’s riotously funny and heart-achingly tender second feature.

Set some time near the end of 1999, Ebony (Hattie Hook) wakes up surf-drenched and worse for wear on a Melbourne beach, with no clue as to where she is and not a cent to her name. Worse, she is due to compete in a ballroom dancing final in an hour’s time, and her Serbian-Australian tango partner Nikola ‘Kol’ (Elias Anton) is on the other side of the city, along with her dress.

Nikola’s frantic attempt to reach her in time requires a lift from Ebony’s broodingly handsome older brother Adam (Thom Green), setting in motion a brief encounter that will set the boys’ hearts soaring.

A magnificent love letter to fleeting romance – and to our town – Of An Age opened this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival. Prepare to be swept off your feet, even if (*spoiler*) Ebony and Kol never quite make it to that date with the dancefloor. An instant classic; make sure you don’t miss it.