Mental review

Aussie PJ Hogan's first local feature in nearly two decades is his most subversive and personal since Muriel’s Wedding .

Toni Collette again headlines as hitchhiker Shaz, hired to take over a household of adolescent girls by an absent philandering father (Anthony LaPaglia) who has sent his Sound Of Music -loving wife to the funny farm following a breakdown.

Packed with fine performances, this attack on suburban conformity is surprising, darkly hilarious and cleverly leaves the insanity judgement to its audience. Its only misstep is an unnecessary crowd-pleasing curtain call.