[Review] SXSW: Cecilia Ain’t a “Sissy” Anymore
Sissy (2022) is an Australian horror comedy written and directed by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes. The film follows the reunion of high school best friends Cecilia (Aisha Dee) and Emma (Hannah Barlow), a decade after the last time they spoke. Their childhood friendship was perfect with plans to retire together in their old age. However, the teens' plans were rudely interrupted with the arrival of Alex (Emily De Margheriti) , Cecilia’s worst enemy and high school bully.
Cecilia, who is now a motivational mental health advocate and influencer⸺and creates popular videos on YouTube⸺hasn’t spoken to childhood best friend Emma in over a decade. After randomly running into Emma, Cecilia is invited along to Emma’s hens’ weekend at a remote cabin. At first, Ceclia is hesitant to join the group. However, she caves and agrees to join Emma and her friends. Upon arriving at the cabin, Cecilia learns that Alex, the person who made her life hell, is also joining them at the cabin, turning the weekend on its head.
Transpiring over a weekend, Cecilia, who is frustrated at the idea of Alex being in the same place at the same time, descends into a frantic murderfest as the party goers are killed off one by one. In contrast to the idyllic scenery, the practical effects of blood, bones, and gore are brilliantly set against the cleanliness and peaceful location. The film takes place in the scenic Australian outback that builds the intensity of a cat and mouse-like hunt that takes place in the bushland which surrounds the luxurious cabin.
Sissy is littered with generation specific humour that makes tasteful jabs at the way in which millennials are reliant on social media, intelligently mocks popular trends, and gives us a mirror to reflect on the activities we participate in on a daily basis. The humour is spot-on, with moments that have been perfectly orchestrated and caused me to erupt into laughter. Not only is an intelligent sense of humour executed throughout Sissy, the incorporation of the Australian brand of slapstick is stamped all over the movie, adding a dimension to the comedy side of the film. These added touches are incredibly funny and add a cheekiness that only Aussie films manage to execute well.
The twist was predictable; however, the point wasn’t to shock or to surprise with the twist. It was more to explore the dangers of bullying, and emphasise that we often don’t realise who the perpetrators are. Even those who have been bullied can be the bully. Overall, Sissy was an enjoyable and hilarious slasher that provides commentary on the repercussions of unresolved issues in childhood— in this instance, being a victim of teenage bullying and harassment.
