All About E (2015) User Reviews

A flawed but still interesting rom-action-drama

[PeterM27 · 5/10 · 25 January 2022]

This film covers a lot of ground, as E sorts out her old and new problems while on the run from her ex-boss whose drug cash she ends up with. She moves from the promiscuity of the Sydney club scene, to a confrontation with her Lebanese parents, who still don't know that she's gay, and are angry she didn't finish her music degree, to a road trip across NSW as they flee the gangsters on their tail.

On the whole, it's pretty well done: it has some strong likeable characters, particularly Mandahla Rose as E, Brett Rogers as her gay Irish flatmate Matt, and Julia Billington as E's ex-lover Trish; and writer-director Wadley maintains the tension until the final climax quite well.

But like many Hollywood romances, the film has a bunch of annoying details that jar with the audience: the main characters make silly decisions in order to drive the plot in the desired direction; the villain is not consistent and swings from homicidal to forgiving and back again; the love story is too easily resolved without appropriate dialogue; and some of the dialogue overall is a bit formulaic.

But the film looks great, and the main characters are sufficiently likeable for many people to forgive these details.

I think a beautiful film

[gielissen · 6/10 · 15 March 2021]

The beauty of Australia, and of a true love, I thought beautifully filmed. And a good story. I liked it.

An illogical plot, lack of continuity, and characters who failed to make an impression.

[frankap211 · 3/10 · 1 January 2017]

I just didn't get All About E. Why does Johnny have such a hold over E (and she over him)? This was never really explained. On the road trip, why do houses appear on one side of the highway while the view straight ahead is just a rural landscape? Why is the turn-off to Hay somewhere between Wollongong and Melbourne, when it's actually in western NSW? Why does the clock on the wall give a different time from the one on the mobile phone? Why does Johnny believe he knows for sure where E is purely on the basis of a postcard he finds? Having arrived at what he believes to be E's hide-out (with no evidence), how does Johnny then know the way across paddocks to a tin shed (20km away) where the girls, their dog, and the gay boy, Matt, have fled? Why does the dog suddenly recover from the poisoned meat Johnny gave it? Why does a light plane suddenly appear? Why is the door of the plane open but closed a split second later? Why did the film not have any effect on me at all?

It's not great

[rmsccbm · 3/10 · 15 January 2016]

Let me start off by saying that the films homosexual elements do not have an effect on me whatsoever. In fact there are lesbian movies I enjoy, this wasn't one of them. All About E is a pretty stale movie, without any real substance, it's actually pretty generic. Let me reiterate; the lesbian element of the movie doesn't bother me, however just because it has this doesn't mean it's free of faults. The main actresses have no real chemistry, and that seriously affects their performances. Some of the "love" scenes between them don't work and aren't convincing enough to sell to me that they are really in love, but I don't want to be too harsh.. The only few things of merit are the location shots and some comedic dialogue, that works well enough. But these things are too far and few in between and instead its pretty dull. The films climax wants to make you care about the relationship between the two main actress's, but you just can't! The chemistry is once again not there. Tthe actors are trying to give good performances some of which are great, but others are not at all. The overly dramatic ending comes across as a way for the film to neatly wrap up loose ends. But that in itself is rushed, but to some credit, brought out some good character development, but it was too late in the movie to save it. To conclude, this movie has nothing of real high quality merit, except for the above mentioned things. It's a tame directorial debut with need of improvement, but it can be and I think will be in future movies.

A pathetic Ugly DJ and Movie

[bilal2005 · 1/10 · 5 January 2016]

Awful movie, Look at description "A beautiful sexy DJ is forced to run when she stumbles on a stash of cash. Can she keep the money, conquer her demons, AND get the girl?" Really? DO you think people are blind? when you watch movie you realize it should be "A pathetic Ugly DJ ". And such an awful movie, Actors with no acting skills. Kindly don't watch this movie and don't waste your time on this crap.

Honestly this movie was SO horrible that for most of it I kept telling myself "WHY AM I WATCHING THIS!!!?" but I gave it a shot.It looked like a movie made in the 50s but with color and horrible acting. Bottom line: like another friend said... "I'd rather sit and watch paint dry". Don't waste your time. I actually signed up for IMDb, JUST so I could put this review here.

road trip caper.... down undah

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 3 June 2016]

SPOILERS "E" (Mandahla Rose) is a DJ down oondah in Australia, and when she accidentally takes her boss's bag of money, it turns her life upside down. She loses her girlfriend Trish (Julia Billington), and freaks out her own parents by telling them they must go on holiday so her boss doesn't harm them. Her gay manager Matt (Brett Rogers) is also her best friend, but even that relationship is on the rocks. With all this going on, E and Matt hit the road with the stolen money, and hope for the best. So many bad decisions. Great outdoor scenery shots of the hot, dry, outback of Australia. You really feel the hot air and parched earth. Written and directed by Lousie Wadley, of Girls Own Productions, which you can read about here www.girlsown.com/about/ . Good story, fine acting performances by all. Lots of mournful clarinet music throughout, since E used to play the clarinet - an ongoing theme. The title was a little confusing, and that may have been intentional; i wasn't sure if it was a reference to ecstasy, or maybe a parody of All About Eve. it's neither one. An upbeat ending, which was nice. Story was a little far-fetched... would someone really put their own life, and the lives of her parental units in such danger when the solution to all this could have been reached much earlier? maybe. still interesting to watch.

Not severe sex and nudity

[evony-jwm · 3/10 · 11 May 2020]

One shorter than time required for R rating, with breasts on less than required for R rating, simulated sex at the PG-13 level.

Otherwise weak plot terrible acting with LGBT characters supporter by an "Arab" Community, add unrealistic to the terrible plot.

Best lesbian movie of the year

[suestanislawska · 9/10 · 20 January 2016]

All about E does many things that other movies don't... It makes you laugh. It has sumptuously gorgeous cinematography making the most of the beautifully rich and authentic Australian country setting. The characters have some depth to them and represent multi-racial Australia. The script is great keeping the movie rolling along at a thunderous pace. The performances make you connect with the characters and draw you into the story. There is one of the best sex scenes ever. This movie really shows a glimpse of our lesbian lives. Don't miss it. I saw this movie twice and the audience loved it on both occasions with rounds of heartfelt applause. Both times I saw it was in very mixed cinema audiences - it appeals equally to gay and straight viewers.

Boutique film-making at its best ...

[gtasoz · 10/10 · 20 January 2016]

Our local small and historic theater plays a huge variety of movies and I was lucky enough to see this one come through with a director and lead actor's Q&A following the evening's screening. What a joy. It joins a select number of VERY Australian genre films which reflect a particularly Aussie sense of place, humour, subject and pace. The script pulls no punches and addresses its subject matter full on. There are ample lashings of pathos, comedy, subtle 'only an Australian audience would get this moment', brilliant suspense, and a rollicking good tour of rural Australia - all within a setting of a Lesbian movie that is so much more than that 'label'. Whilst mentioning the Aussie setting here - it is very much at the same time an international movie too ... there are just some unfamiliar places for those not from here.

The music and staging throughout the film is of the highest quality. In fact that is the reflective recall after leaving the movie house. So often a good movie is spoiled by inadequate production or a soundtrack which annoys the heck out of you ... not this one.

If it comes your way go see it. This is boutique film making at its best. How the heck they produced such a full item on the budget quoted is beyond me.

A lesbian movie with heaps of twists that sets a cracking pace

[judefinch · 9/10 · 20 January 2016]

I really enjoyed All About E. This is the first lesbian feature film / lesbian thriller that I have seen that has included so many unique elements. We never get to see lesbians in roles like this, the plot is tight and fast, the story is set in rural Australia, themes such as homophobia and racism are set side by side. The film is full of surprises. I loved Mandala Rose as E - she was simply magnetic. I also thought that the sex scene was one of the best that I have even seen. The story line and thematic progression in the film was really well developed. The main character not only gets the girl in the end but learns some great life lessons. I have seen All About E twice and each time the audience has been thrilled with the film. It clearly appeals to gay and straight audiences and to a mix of ages and backgrounds. Well done - a new Australian director and producer and a brilliant product. Its a "must see"!

Lesbian Road Movie from First time writer/Director

[spider-52713 · 8/10 · 20 January 2016]

This movie has everything, the breakup, the parents who try to understand, the gay best friend, the pet dog and a plane. It's a bit slow sometimes, where the writer director fell in love with the scene but give her a break. It's her first script and first movie. There are gangsters planes and dogs, everything you ever wanted in a lesbian movie (if you are a lesbian). There is no porn. This also iconic as an Australian movie with Sydney Kings Cross organised crime district, Wollongong and the bush. The actors have done a great job on the script, which itself has had readings at festivals because it is so good. Australian lesbian culture is like all lesbian cultures and is unique because it is Australian. A rollicking insider's view of a lesbian adventure. It was crowd-funded and we all hope you like this this small love story. And yes, E is a bit of a brat.......

A brilliant Lesbian road movie

[leenurse-08400 · 9/10 · 20 January 2016]

This Lesbian road movie is a fabulous, must see, film. The acting, cinematography, landscapes and of course the gorgeous looking actors all are what makes this such an enjoyable movie. A story about belonging - not belonging - identity search - and the adventures along the way. Just don't miss it - All the ingredients for a fun time with kids, dogs and tractors. Shot in the Australian out back you can feel the atmosphere and heat of the surroundings. It includes probably the best Lesbian sex scene you will ever see on screen and all that set to the wonderful music by Basil Hogios. All about e has been received at film festivals in the United States and Australia with brilliant reviews and audiences wanting more. Full houses all the way - Repeat performances requested and arranged.

A Really Good Aussie Road Movie

[konekshon · 8/10 · 20 January 2016]

Loved seeing the film - in fact, so much so, I've watched it three times. The whole cast is great, but the three leads are particularly good, including newcomer Mandahla Rose who is especially terrific in her role as a somewhat conflicted musician-turned-DJ on the run from her boss with a stash of cash. She's tough but tender and like all the women in the film, strong and determined. Loved the Lebanese back story (the scene with E's mother really resonated) along with the original soundtrack music.

The characters are multidimensional rather than the usual clichés we often see in Australian films - especially ones with LGBTQI characters or ones with outback settings. Even the two drag queens and E's best friend didn't conform to the stereotypes we are so often presented with of bitchy gay men. Totally refreshing! Culturally it's also diverse and beautifully filmed in places - the farm scenes especially bring the landscape alive.

Just loved it

[mjbeach-91833 · 9/10 · 20 January 2016]

I just loved it, have seen it twice, and would happily see it again. Thought it was funny and I always love good humour, I thought the views of Australia were brilliant, the contrasting scenes, city and country I thought were innovative. The love scenes were very good, enough to be scintillating without being tacky. I suppose no movie is going to please everyone, but myself and the people I know all enjoyed it. The dog was a lovely touch, especially grabbing the dog in the last scene. Personally I would not have thrown out the money, but many of the group I watched with said they would. E was naughty and nice, which I think reflected most people, I would like to think I have a bit of both, so easy to identify with.

A ripping good yarn

[dematteo-203-653150 · 9/10 · 21 January 2016]

I happened to catch this film at San Francisco's Frameline Film Festival last summer. I realize it is a lesbian written and produced work, but it does not need any sexually parochial designation to make it a worthwhile film. Rather, it is a fast-paced, compelling, engrossing, thrill ride of a movie, a ripping good yarn, which includes gay main characters in its fine tuned ensemble cast. The cinematography was languorous and luscious, somehow conveying an almost palpable sense of dust and heat and grit of rural Australia. I know I am a Yank, and this is an Aussie film; but why haven't encountered these brilliant actors before? I was particularly impressed by Brett Rogers' performance as E's fubsy best friend. It was subtle, complex, nuanced, and poignant, and was well matched by Mandahla Rose and Julia Billington as the lesbian protagonists. Even the dog was brilliant. For me, it was a "must see" film, so much so that I had to go see it again when it turned up in the Palm Springs Cinema Diverse. If you get a chance to catch this film, don't miss it.

All About E avoids the tragic clichés of lesbians depicted on screen

[galinterrupted · 8/10 · 20 January 2016]

Having seen the hype for this film on many lesbian blogs, I was eager to see what All About E had to offer the 2015' queer cinema lineup. I was pleasantly surprised! As I read on 'Afterellen,' "it's the road movie you never knew you wanted!".

All About E avoids the tragic clichés of lesbians depicted on screen that we see time and time again. It joins the new wave of independent and mainstream cinema giving gay women what we want to see on screen, but manages to do so with half the budget of partner films.

The directorial debut of Louis Wadley, All About E, appeals to a wide audience, with a plot that ticks over nicely, believable performances, cinematography that uniquely frames the Australian outback, some drama and laughs and a refreshingly realistic love scene.

It's an independent Aussie film that carves out a nice little niche for itself.. All About E sets out to set our hearts aflutter and asks you to come along for the ride.

A great Australian movie with diverse and interesting characters, great cinematography and excellent casting

[marywaterford · 9/10 · 20 January 2016]

This is a wonderful movie, with something for everyone. Who could believe that such a low budget film could capture so much! Without giving too much away, the film contains a sultry anti-hero E and her beautiful sidekick Brett; her brooding family and a tribe of ex-lovers, a dog to warm anyone's heart, evil crooks and an exciting chase. There's a stunning sex scene, and best of all, the most magnificent Australian outback country & skys. This movie had twenty six screening in Australia over summer, many to sold-out audiences. The sound track is superb, and fortunately available on CD so it can be transported to your home or car. All about E is made by independent film-makers and first time Director Louise Wadley and Producer Jay Rutovitz deserve the acclaim that has been theirs since the first showing. It opened the 2015 Sydney's Mardi Gras Film Festival, a testament to its popularity.

Entertaining cinema with a lot of heart

[r_bedbrook · 9/10 · 20 January 2016]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and have seen it multiple times at various festival screenings. It is entertaining, punchy, refreshing and doesn't conform to the stereotypes forced on many queer films. It does not need to be overly tragic and dark to be taken seriously but still explores the relevant themes of acceptance, tolerance and heart-break. There is humour and multi- culturalism that is often lacking in other films.

For first-time writer/director Louise Wadley it was an ambitious project with so many locations but it's a triumph - the clubs, the country, the city; Australia is portrayed so dynamically. Brett Rogers was the stand-out for me in a difficult, transformative role that had to balance being (essentially) the sole comic relief as well as a self-conscious misfit.

Please watch! Support good Australian cinema!

Brilliant - highly entertaining

[mcguireka · 10/10 · 20 January 2016]

It's truly remarkable what these filmmakers achieved with such a low budget. It stands up against movies with budgets (at least) ten times the size. The story is fun but there are important layers including coming out, racial tension, friendship and just growing up. The cinematography is gorgeous - can't wait to see the outback in person some day - the script is witty, sex scenes are hot and fabulous(!!!!!), film score is sophisticated, acting is fresh and vibrant, casting is spot on. This film is by far the best of its genre that I've seen for a very long time and well deserves its many film festival accolades. Bravissimo, Louise Wadley et al!

Warm, funny and charming

[pireland1982 · 9/10 · 24 January 2016]

I managed to catch All About E in 2015. I didn't really know what to expect, given I don't watch many films with lesbian themes, but I was pleasantly surprised. Well performed, and told with excellent pace, the film had me enthralled, as well as caring about the fate of E and her friends. The moments of looming tension work exceptionally well, but there is also plenty of levity from the funnier interactions between the characters. Most striking for me, was the use of the Australian landscape, to give the whole film an organic realism, along with plenty of harsh beauty. It was reminiscent of quality Australian stories that so elegantly use the land as an extra character. A film worthy of anyone's movie night.

Great indie road movie

[ptownshend · 9/10 · 24 January 2016]

A great film. Lots of fun and laughs to be had. Great performances from not just the leads, but from the smallest bit part, making this an enjoyable film that makes you care for the characters. Despite the fact it is a lot of fun, it can be, at times, very emotional. Can really tug at the heart strings as we are let in on the lives, warts and all, of E and her friends. No-one in this film is perfect. They are all human, all have flaws ... and that makes them so much more interesting and we become invested in the outcome of their story. This is ultimately a love story, a lesbian love story, and there is a love scene, with nudity, beween the two female leads. Beautifully shot and tenderly played. Thus is not gratuitous..and definitely not a sex scene. It is a love scene between two characters who truly love each other. Cannot recommend this enough. It is a brilliant film. Loved it.

A fantastic Lesbain Australian Fim - a real gem.

[sarascrutton · 9/10 · 27 January 2016]

All About E is an excellent Australian lesbian feature film. A film that skilfully combines comedy, adventure, suspense, identity and the quest for love. Against the backdrop of an array of Australian landscapes the main characters set out to explore their pasts, test and strengthen friendships and question their life choices. A road movie, complete with breathtaking scenery, a unique car chase and plenty of adventures. The sound track is fantastic and I've heard is out on CD. I'll be searching this CD down as many of the tracks are still buzzing around my head. Two of the main characters, E and her best gay friend Matt, have a witty and enjoyable rapport that had me laughing out loud on many occasions. The scenes with E and her family are poignant and explore some of the complexities facing gays and lesbians within their family dynamics. I totally enjoyed this film and highly recommend it. For audiences outside of Australia, it's a great experience of Australian scenery and our unique humour.

Engaging, charming and thoroughly enjoyable

[mabrahmz · 10/10 · 12 February 2016]

A coming of age story, of a young woman who does not think all she is, is good enough, so seeks out a more glamorous life. Set in the vibrant and colourful city of Sydney, Australia where we meet a parade of interesting and individual characters. Then moves us to the outback, where we get to see the vastness and other side of life in Australia.

If you are looking for the highly polished, billion dollar movie spectacular of Hollywood, this movie isn't for you. If you crave for the days when movies had a real story, where you could relate to and feel emotionally connected to the characters, where you actually cared what happened in the story, then you will love this movie. We get to see real people represented on the screen, real lives, with real challenges and a view of both sides of Australia which is real, that we don't get in other movies. This is how movies should be made.

The little movie that could.

Beautiful movie with heart, laughs and rare diversity

[crimsonpedals · 8/10 · 19 February 2016]

This is a gem of a film: beautiful cinematography and music, enjoyable acting, twists and turns, and of course wonderful to see lesbian and gay characters in the main roles, along with a great lesbian sex scene. I also found it fantastic that E is from a non-Anglo background and to see how that was explored as part of her journey and sexuality. There is rare diversity in numerous ways in this film. It's wonderful to see difference be genuinely explored in a full-length film and I hope that the ways that this film has engaged and moved its audience sets an example for the film industry in Australia. All About E is an accomplished, enjoyable, courageous and funny film by Louise Wadley and all - brava! Definitely worth watching.

All About Entertainment

[gabestour · 9/10 · 21 May 2016]

I love a good action movie full of adventure, wit, great music and even a love story. It was wonderful to watch all this and more in All About E, including many touching gentle moments between different characters which were highlights for me. As a lesbian, its difficult to find fabulous movies like this containing all of these entertainment value elements as well as providing outsiders with a window into the sometimes complex dynamics of lesbian life such as "coming out" to parents. All About E speaks to me of friendship, freedom, identity, bravery, fun, love, loyalty and family. I really enjoyed it and have watched it with good friends a few times who also loved it.