It's well worth seeing the performance of young Morgana Davies as Simone, a child who becomes convinced that her late father speaks and listens to her through the comforting branches of the tree next to her house.
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The Tree
Overview
The O'Neills lived happily in their house in the Australian countryside. That was until one day fate struck blindly, taking the life of Peter, the father, leaving his grief-stricken wife Dawn alone with their four children. Among them, eight-year-old Simone denies this reality. She is persuaded that her father still lives in the giant fig tree growing near their house and speaks to her through its leaves. But the tree becomes more and more invasive and threatens the house. It must be felled. Of course, Simone won't allow it.
Director and cast
- Julie Bertuccelli Director
- Charlotte Gainsbourg as Dawn O'Neil
- Morgan Davies as Simone O'Neil
- Marton Csokas as George Elrick
- Christian Byers as Tim O'Neil
- Tom Russell as Lou O'Neil
- Gabriel Gotting as Charlie O'Neil
- Aden Young as Peter O'Neil
- Penne Hackforth-Jones as Mrs. Johnson
- Gillian Jones as Vonnie
- Murray Shoring as Council Inspector
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
In the end, The Tree is something of a stretch; but it's a good stretch, a mix of mysticism and family dynamics both satisfying and intriguing.
"The Tree" might have suffered from too much symbolism if not for writer-director Julie Bertuccelli's deft touch and Gainsbourg's appealing performance.
Despite the potential for some supernatural grandiosity, the tone here remains understated and quiet, and Gainsbourg's performance feels lived-in, and deep, and right.
The arboreal metaphor is overworked as the tree's roots choke off the rural home's water supply, but the story has a winning, fable-like directness.
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