Director Natalie Bailey talks about her dark comedy ‘Audrey‘ and its final screening at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, tonight.
Tonight, ‘Audrey‘ hosts its finally screening at at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and we had the chance to speak with director Natalie Bailey talks about her dark comedy in its exploration of ego, self-perception, and the price we pay for following our dreams, turning it into a sacrilegious, inverse of, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life‘. Bailey, who began her career as an actress and independent filmmaker, has crafted a darkly comedic exploration of the dysfunctional Lipsick family. Her journey from short films like *EXIT* to working on UK hits like ‘The Thick of It‘ and ‘Avenue 5‘ informs the sharp, biting humor in ‘Audrey‘.
The film follows Ronnie, a mother who steps into her comatose daughter Audrey’s life to seize an acting opportunity that could launch Audrey’s career. Meanwhile, Ronnie’s family begins to thrive in Audrey’s absence—her husband, Cormack, reinvents himself through a lie about his daughter’s fake death, while Norah, the younger sister, enjoys newfound popularity. But when Audrey unexpectedly awakens, the family’s newfound happiness crumbles, forcing Ronnie to take drastic action.
In our conversation with Bailey, we praise writer Lou Sans, joke about the beloved Australian soap ‘Neighbours‘ and my fascination with turning the classic children’s show ‘Skippy the Bush Kangaroo‘ into a horror comedy. Bailey’s storytelling resonates with peoples reflections on mid-life challenges and the balance between family expectations and personal desires.
‘Audrey‘ s visual journey—from shadowy disconnection to radiant unity and back into a darker reality—is shaped by key collaborators, including cinematographer Simon Ozilin and costume designer Bridgette Hungerford. The soundtrack, which features an eclectic mix of Australian music, adds an emotional depth to the film’s wild ride. With standout performances from Jackie Van Beek as Ronnie, Josephine Blazier as Audrey, and newcomer Hannah Diviney as Norah, ‘Audrey‘.
‘Audrey‘ finally screening at at the Palm Springs International Film Festival will be at Palm Springs High School at 7:45 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Bailey.
To purchase tickets for ‘Audrey‘ visit: https://www.psfilmfest.org/film-festival-2025/film-finder/audrey.
