Ladies in Black (2018)

Directed by: Bruce Beresford | 109 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Alison McGirr, Ryan Corr, Vincent Perez, Susie Porter, Shane Jacobson, Noni Hazlehurst, Nicholas Hammond, Luke Pegler, Celia Massingham, Geneviève Lemon, Danny Adcock, Deborah Kennedy

Sydney, Australia, 1959. The (fictional) department store FG Goodes prepares for a busy Christmas season in Bruce Beresford’s ‘Ladies in Black’. The ladies in the fashion department are on their toes, because a lot is expected of them. Besides the fact that all customers seem to be looking for a cocktail dress for the upcoming festivities, the summer sale has also just started.

Sixteen-year-old Lesley (Angourie Rice), awaiting her final exam results, starts her summer job in this department. She is taken under the care of the worldly wise Magda (Julia Ormond), who is responsible for haute couture. Magda introduces Lesley, who soon lets herself be called Lisa (Lesley is a boy’s name! she grumbles to her concerned mother), to the world of parties and high society. But the ambitious teenager also finds a connection with sales employees Fay (Rachael Taylor) and Patty (Alison McGirr), although these ladies also have their own personal problems.

‘Ladies in Black’ is the film adaptation of Madeleine St. John’s book “The Women in Black”. The film closely follows the book. It doesn’t have much to offer, the story feels a bit soapy, but the characters are just captivating enough to keep you interested.

In any case, the roles are excellently filled. With Angourie Rice, director Bruce Beresford has gold in his hands; her naive and at the same time spontaneous attitude immediately makes the viewer fall for her. It is her destiny that you most empathize with. Lisa is desperate to go to college, but that’s quite an exception in the late 1950s – and she can’t get her father to agree to her plans for the future. Fay’s search for love is a close second. Her blossoming relationship with Rudi (Ryan Corr) and the development from superficial type to an art and literature yearning and therefore self-confident woman is fun to follow. Julia Ormond is also a nice addition to the cast, her character gives just that little bit more substance to ‘Ladies in Black’. Her character, a Hungarian immigrant, makes clear what impact this fact has on her life. A little less strong is the storyline of Patty, who longs for a baby, but whose husband runs off after a rare night of passion because he doesn’t feel that those lusts were wanted.

‘Ladies in Black’ looks perfect down to the last detail: the sets, costumes, make-up and hairstyles are sublime. The acting is also fine. For those who want to immerse themselves in a fifties atmosphere with a light-hearted story, this film is a risk-free choice.