An aspiring film director prepares for a play based on her complicated feelings toward her father. “An Athlete Wrestling a Python” is a Australian film by director Stephanie Jane Day, an incisive, darkly comedic character study on Julien. Her present preoccupations with the artistic process and career aspirations are met with indifference from her well-to-do family and others. At a museum with her boyfriend, Julien tries to stimulate a deep conversation about the possible intentions of a sculpture artist. He’s clearly less interested. Later at a rehearsal for her upcoming stage show, Julien is frustrated when her actors aren’t fully connecting with the material (“Is the death of your father something you can imagine?”). When real life intrudes, it’s brushed aside to keep the focus on lofty pursuits and bickering with loved ones. Josephine Starte shoulders the film with an engrossing and bitterly funny performance. -KA.

Writer and Director Stephanie Jane Day. Co-Producers Stephanie Jane Day and James Robert Woods. Starring Josephine Starte, Tom Anson Mesker, Georgia Wilkinson Derums, Anthony Phelan, Marian Macgowan, Julian Ramundi, Emma Russack. Director of Photography: Jack Saltmiras. Costume Designer: Olivia Simpson. Hair and Make Up Designer: Amelia Fell. Production Designer: Ocea Sellar. Original Score Composed by Alister Haire.