Perfectionist, The

Award-winning writer David Williamson's keen observation of married life is put to the test in The Perfectionist, a witty slice-of-life drama presenting a family in crisis during an era of domestic change.

Living the suburban dream in middle-class Sydney, Barbara (Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver) and Stuart (AFI Award–winner John Waters) have three kids and are rapidly approaching a crossroads in their lives. Stuart is an academic, focused on his all-important thesis. Champing at the bit to further her limited education and feeling that her children are old enough to cope, Barbara decides to put her housewife duties aside in order to pursue a course of study at university.

Against the will of her husband, Barbara employs a Danish babysitter, Erik (Steven Vidler), to keep an eye on the kids, leaving Stuart to suck up the jealousy and uncomfortably endure the presence of another man interfering in the affairs of his family, placing all manner of pressure on their troubled marriage.