‘The Deb’ is a musical comedy about a small-town teenager trying to find a date for the debutante ball with the help of her big city cousin.
The 1950s and ’60s were the height of movie musicals with Gene Kelly and Julie Andrews leading the charge. Big set pieces, whimsical choreography and memorable songs embedded many of them in the cultural zeitgeist. There have, of course, been popular musicals since then, many of which have acquired cult followings and frequent screenings (and we’re not talking film adaptations of Broadway shows). These movies offer something unique to audiences not interested in the latest action blockbuster or remake, but enjoy spontaneous song. The Deb is a teen comedy musical that unfolds in a small town in Australia and is not appropriate for all ages.
Maeve (Charlotte MacInnes) attends a private girls’ school in the city where she’s frequently challenging the oppressive status quo by judging her classmates and upsetting her mother (Susan Prior), who also happens to be the principal. When her latest stunt garners backlash, Maeve is sent to wait out the controversy in the bush with her like-aged cousin, Taylah (Natalie Abbott), and Uncle Rick (Shane Jacobson), who’s also mayor of the drought-afflicted town of Dunburn. Taylah is desperate to attend the annual debutante ball, but she requires a date to participate and most of the boys ignore or ridicule her. So, Maeve decides she’ll make the best of things by ensuring her cousin can attend the ball and doing a podcast on the event to cure her boredom.
Maeve is a walking contradiction, exaggeratedly concerned with political correctness and defying authority, while using her wealth as protection and looking down her nose at everyone in Dunburn. Her podcast is a recording of her nasty observations about the deb, as well as anyone participating in it. Yet, she’s the one person who doesn’t want to change Taylah — just help her with her self-confidence through offers of encouragement rather than useful advice. Unfortunately, Taylah wants a fairy tale that will never come true — not because she doesn’t deserve it, but because they’re just not real – hence, the disaster that erupts from her Sandra Dee makeover.
The film also has its own set of “mean girls.” Chantelle (Karis Oka), Danielle (Brianna Bishop) and Annabelle (Stevie Jean) comprise Dunburn’s entertainment group, The Pixie Cups. They perform at all the local events, doing seductive dances in provocative denim, while still finding the time to torment Taylah. They, of course, date the star rugby players, which isn’t saying much based on their performances on the pitch. Co-writer and director Rebel Wilson also plays Chantelle’s mom, Janette, the forwardly crude owner of the cleverly named local salon, Curl Up and Dye. Janette manages the girl group and dictates her talented daughter’s future, while ignoring her younger, less musically gifted offspring who identifies as a koala.
Wilson’s improv in the Pitch Perfect movies gave audiences a taste of her comedic chops, which are on full display in this picture. The all-woman writing team not only knows the world of high school girls, but compose an excellent soundtrack as well. It opens with a track celebrating entitlement called “F@#k My Life,” which is incredibly catchy as it provides some early insight into Maeve’s privilege. Meanwhile, “Hell No” isn’t quite as rebellious as it sounds, promoting Bacardi and partying. One of the more amusing moments is when Maeve’s new friend, Dusty (Costa D’Angelo), rescues her by initiating a sexy dance number and distracting her bullies.
The young, unknown cast infuses the film with contagious energy as they sing and shimmy their way through an otherwise recognizable story, captivating audiences with their simultaneously clichéd but distinct personalities.
The Deb had its world premiere in the Gala Presentations programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Rebel Wilson
Starring: Natalie Abbott, Charlotte MacInnes and Karis Oka
