Watch Colourblind

Colourblind is an intense drama directed by Nathan Hill that tells the story of a well-off family, the Sutherlands, whose lives are altered irrevocably when they hire an alluring caregiver named Lily. The movie is set in contemporary Sydney, a city known for its vibrant hues, but the colourblind title evokes a somber tone throughout the film.

The patriarch of the family, Gordon (Nathan Hill), is portrayed as a successful businessman who built his wealth from scratch. He is married to Elizabeth (Anne Gauthier), a former model, and they have two adult children, Alexander (Daniel Needs) and Victoria (Hayley Beveridge), who are both struggling to find their place in society. Lily (Marcella Russo) is a recent hire and the only caregiver who can look after Gordon's father, who is in the end stages of dementia.

The tension begins to mount as it becomes apparent that Lily is more than just a caretaker, and she soon takes advantage of the family's troubled dynamics. Her presence awakens something in Gordon, who is drawn to her unspoken sensuality, and their relationship quickly turns into a torrid affair. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is spiralling into a deep depression as she tries to deal with her emotions and failing marriage.

As the film progresses, we begin to see the children's stories unfold. Alexander is a struggling screenwriter who is battling with his sexuality, and Victoria is a lonely receptionist who is involved in an abusive relationship. Lily's arrival sparks energy into these two lost souls, and they both begin to question their existence as they navigate through their traumatic pasts.

The pacing of the movie is delicately measured, and the director allows the audience to connect with each character through long and meditative sequences. The movie is visually stunning; the use of colour is particularly potent, and the muted tone creates a melancholic mood that complements the sombre narrative.

The acting in this movie is genuinely impressive. Nathan Hill brings the right amount of gravitas and vulnerability to his character, balancing masculinity and fragility in equal measure. Anne Gauthier gives a haunting portrayal of a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, rendered powerless by years of neglect and pent-up frustration. Jane Badler, the international star of V, adds a layer of complexity to the family dynamics as the mother-in-law, with some of the film's most heart-wrenching scenes.

Overall, Colourblind is a compelling and original movie that explores the themes of loss, love, and betrayal in a nuanced and visually stunning manner. The film delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the psychological warfare that stifles relationships. The movie's deft handling of the three main characters creates a richly textured, multi-layered story that leaves you feeling deeply moved.

Colourblind is a 2019 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.