Temptation to revert to her old ways constantly surrounds Tracey in the form of long-time family friend Lionel Dawson (Hugo Weaving), her wannabe criminal brother, Ray (Martin Henderson) and the unexpected return of ex-boyfriend Johnny (Dustin Nguyen).

The men in Tracey’s life are a reminder of who she used to be.  Drug-addict Lionel in particular seems to be the ever-present force that reminds her of the struggle to pull herself out, and a return to that addictive lifestyle, no matter how momentary, wouldn’t be worth it.

Despite their obvious love for her, the 3 men dangle temptation without too much thought of how Tracey might feel or what is best for her. At the point of Tracey’s utter frustration with life it seems she will give in.

A plan to help her with the goal of video shop ownership is concocted by Ray and Johnny. However, it means a trip back to the old days for Tracey, by raising her much needed capital using criminal means. The plan backfires with consequences that are both tragic and a bittersweet blessing for Tracey and her mother.

Like I said before I wish there was a single word in the English language that would do the performances in this film absolute justice. Flawless, heart-breaking, amazing, outstanding…..the list goes on. Rowan Woods credits it to “good actors”, but there is no denying his directorial brilliance. Especially if you’ve seen his first feature film, The Boys, which was nominated for 9 AFI (Australian Film Industry) awards and won two for best director in 1999.

Woods says he needed Cate in order to secure funding for Little Fish and there is no doubt she is a very talented actor, but Hugo Weaving as Lionel Dawson does threaten to steal the show from the “major star”.

Weaving’s portrayal of a desperate, lonely ex-footy hero is one of those things that really get under your skin. Lionel’s vulnerability and emotion is so raw, at times it is hard to watch. The memory of this sad character lingers long after the credits roll.

Cate Blanchett embodies “suburban hero” Tracey Heart perfectly. Tracey is faced with decisions that will define the path her life takes, test relationships with those she loves and push the boundaries of her own conscience. She is in that frustrating, lonely and tiresome place called limbo, between the old and the new, the past and the present. Blanchett plays the mysterious “ice queen with a big heart” so well. When the most significant parts of her past come to light, you get the feeling there is a whole lot more there. There is such depth of character when stripped of all glamour that you would be forgiven for forgetting you are watching one of “Hollywood’s” brightest stars.

There is no Hollywood in Little Fish, and with a stellar Aussie and New Zealand cast, it is the lack of glamour that shows the true talent we have here and is the real beauty of Little Fish.