“Growing old never cost so much”
When director Sue Thomson’s 89-year-old mum, Margaret, begins to need additional help with day-to-day life, they face a decision that most families will encounter: whether to consider a residential aged-care facility; and, if so, how to find a suitable one amid a sector with a reputation for neglect and mistreatment. Margaret’s story becomes a springboard for an investigation of the political history of aged care in Australia, marred by a 40-year bipartisan privatisation agenda. As we hear from advocates, journalists and senior citizens who have experienced the system, a group of schoolkids discuss the situation we’ve reached with aged care and where we need to go from here – and of what they, and we, can expect in the future.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
11 people
Sue Thomson Director · Adam Farrington-Williams Writer Mark D'Angelo Composer
First release August 16, 2025 · Produced in Australia · Production MIFF Premiere Fund, Shark Island Foundation
Production
The Backlot Films
Production
MIFF Premiere Fund
Production
Shark Island Foundation
Production
b00mdone
Production
Australia
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
Australia · August 16, 2025
Premiere · Melbourne International Film Festival
No release date listed for United States.
Australia
August 31, 2025 · Premiere · CinefestOZ Film Festival
More from Sue Thomson
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Careless
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
