Love and Other Catastrophes 1997

The lives of Mia and Alice, film studies students at the University of Melbourne, are anything but tranquil as they both grapple with the intricacies of relationships, personal identity, and their academic commitments. As they move into a stylish apartment together, the void left by their missing housemate becomes palpably felt, propelling Mia into a deep contemplation about the nature of commitment in her own life.

Mia finds herself infatuated with her captivating lecturer, reaching a peak of obsession that drives her to confront the university administration in a David-versus-Goliath struggle, all in an effort to follow him to his new department. However, her well-meaning yet excessively critical supervisor, Professor Leach, consistently throws obstacles in Mia’s path, complicating her pursuit of both academic and personal happiness. Just when it seems that everything is spiraling out of control, Mia’s relationship with her girlfriend, Danni, takes a turn for the worse, leading to a heart-wrenching breakup that leaves both women reeling in the aftermath.

On the other side, Alice finds herself mired in an existential crisis, with her thesis on the legendary feminist figure Doris Day painfully overdue by four years. In her quest for the ideal male partner, Alice’s aspirations often lead her astray. In a moment of desperation, she inexplicably becomes enamored with Ari, a charming, albeit morally questionable, classics student known for his transient romantic escapades. What Alice remains oblivious to is that her secret admirer, Michael, a shy and reserved medical student, harbors deep feelings for her, complicating her search for love.

As the evening unfolds and the party crescendos, the paths of these characters begin to intertwine in unprecedented and surprising ways. The age-old saying “Omnia Vincit Amor” – Love Conquers All – takes on a profound significance as Mia and Alice navigate the turbulent waters of love, relationships, and the journey of personal growth, forever changing the landscape of their lives.