The use of the different parts of the building as the cornerstone of the action, coupled with the smoky coloured (sepia?) filming, was well conceived. There was never a dull moment.
It makes the claim that the Melbourne Cup is the toughest horse race in the world – that is doubtful because it is run on the flat. Otherwise, it is a nice dramatisation that won't do any harm to the sport.
Natalie sensibly appears not to compete with the acting talents of Susan S (who is terrific) but instead, she is a good foil. In other hands, this may have turned out soppy.
Whilst you can't relate to any of the characters there is Jane Birkin's freshness and naturalness to admire. There are also some short films (adverts.) within the film that are extremely well done.
Very mainstream but the two leads give such appealing performances that it is hard to dislike. The main downside was the Rhys Meyers character which at the end of the day we could have done without.