The Dressmaker

The Dressmaker

Year: 2016

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Jocelyn Moorhouse

Drama

A gifted dressmaker, Tilly Dunnage, leaves the glamour of Parisian fashion to return to her isolated childhood home in the Australian outback. Haunted by her past, she seeks reconciliation with her unconventional mother and finds comfort in a connection with the kind Teddy. Using her talent with a needle and thread, Tilly helps the women of the town embrace their beauty while subtly exacting revenge on those who once mistreated her, ultimately seeking a sense of belonging and closure.

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Timeline & Setting – The Dressmaker (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Dressmaker (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1926-1951

The movie spans from 1926 to 1951, a period marked by post-World War II recovery and changing social norms. During this time, Australia was experiencing a cultural shift, with greater attention being paid to fashion and personal expression. The events in Dungatar reflect the tension between tradition and modernity, as personal traumas and societal expectations collide.

Location

Dungatar, Winyerp

Dungatar is a small rural town in the Australian outback, characterized by its tight-knit community and the complications of small-town life. Known for its football games and local rivalries, Dungatar becomes the backdrop for Tilly's return and her quest for redemption. Nearby Winyerp serves as a neighboring town that participates in local competitions, highlighting the region's interconnectedness.

🏜️ Outback 🏙️ Town

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – The Dressmaker (2016)

Meet the key characters of The Dressmaker (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Myrtle 'Tilly' Dunnage (Kate Winslet)

Tilly Dunnage is a skilled dressmaker who returns to her hometown of Dungatar seeking closure for her past. Initially shunned and blamed for a tragic incident, Tilly evolves into a figure of empowerment and courage. Her complex relationship with her mother and the townspeople showcases her resilience and determination to find her place in a community that once rejected her.

👗 Dresses 🌟 Resilience 🔍 Mystery

Sergeant Horatio Farrat (Hugo Weaving)

Sergeant Farrat is a deeply conflicted man, battling his own secrets while serving as a police officer in Dungatar. His bond with Tilly highlights themes of acceptance and understanding, as he grapples with the prejudices of the townspeople. Farrat's complex nature and willingness to support Tilly reflect his desire for redemption amidst societal constraints.

🔍 Secrets 🌈 Acceptance ⚖️ Justice

Gertrude Pratt (Sarah Snook)

Gertrude Pratt is a small-town girl who initially thrives on drama and gossip but ultimately seeks her own happiness through Tilly's designs. Her character development portrays a journey from insecurity to empowerment as she embraces Tilly's talents. Gertrude's engagement and desire to stand out symbolize the shifting dynamics within Dungatar's society.

👰 Engagement 🌹 Change 🔗 Friendship

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – The Dressmaker (2016)

Explore the central themes of The Dressmaker (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal runs deep in the narrative, as Tilly faces the consequences of her past and the townspeople's actions against her. The betrayal by her peers and the secrecy surrounding her family's history shape her return to Dungatar. Ultimately, the theme of betrayal is intricately tied to Tilly’s quest for truth and justice.

👗 Empowerment

Tilly's journey encapsulates themes of empowerment through creativity and personal expression. As an accomplished dressmaker, she uses her talents to transform not just her own life but also the lives of others in Dungatar. Her fashion represents a reclaiming of her identity and a rejection of her past's limitations.

🔥 Revenge

Revenge becomes a driving force as Tilly seeks vindication for her unjust exile and the traumatic events of her childhood. Her resentments lead to a climactic destruction of Dungatar, symbolizing her break from the past and her refusal to be shackled by the judgments of the townsfolk. The destructive acts reflect the depths of her anger and the consequences of unresolved trauma.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Unlock the Full Story of The Dressmaker

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The Dressmaker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Dressmaker, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Dressmaker Summary

The Dressmaker Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Dressmaker with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Dressmaker Timeline

More About The Dressmaker

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More About The Dressmaker

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