Watch Being Venice

Being Venice is a 2012 Australian film that features Alice McConnell as Venice, a musician who is struggling to make ends meet. Simon Stone plays Mark, Venice's son, and Garry McDonald plays her father. The story follows Venice as she attempts to keep her life together and pursue her musical dreams. As a single mother, she is often faced with difficult choices that leave her straddling the line between her responsibilities and her dreams. Her father is largely absent from her life, leaving her to raise Mark on her own. Despite this, Venice's strong will and determination keep her moving forward, even when everything seems to be falling apart.

One of the main themes in Being Venice is the mother-son relationship between Venice and Mark. As Venice struggles to balance her career and her family, she must also navigate the complex dynamic between her and her son. Mark is both distant and demanding, pushing Venice to be the best version of herself while simultaneously being emotionally unavailable. This relationship is further complicated by the fact that Venice has been diagnosed with a serious illness, which threatens to further strain her relationship with Mark.

The film is set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Melbourne, with its iconic trams, graffiti-lined alleyways, and bustling cafes. The city itself becomes a character, with its energy and spirit reflecting Venice's own inner turmoil. In this way, the setting adds a visual and emotional depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple examination of a struggling musician.

Despite her difficulties, Venice finds solace in her music, which serves as both an escape and a source of catharsis. Her performances, though few and far between, are some of the most powerful scenes in the film. As she pours herself into her music, we see a glimpse of the person Venice could be if she were able to fully pursue her passion.

The film also explores the themes of loss, grief, and redemption. Venice must come to terms with the fact that her illness may prevent her from ever achieving the success she craves. She must confront her own mortality and grapple with the possibility that she may never see her dreams to fruition. Through this journey, she is forced to confront her own demons and find a way to make peace with herself and her past.

Overall, Being Venice is a poignant and emotionally charged film that offers a nuanced exploration of the human experience. Through its exploration of family dynamics, hopes, dreams, and mortality, the film invites us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. With exceptional performances by the lead actors and stunning cinematography, Being Venice is a powerful and moving work of art that will linger with viewers long after the credits have rolled.

Being Venice is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.