Careless

Careless is a documentary that explores the challenges of elderly care in Australia. The film begins with director Sue Thomson and her 89-year-old mother, Margaret, as they struggle to decide if a residential care facility is the right choice and how to avoid institutions known for neglect. This personal journey leads into a broader examination of the political history of the sector, focusing on a forty-year period of bipartisan privatization. The narrative incorporates perspectives from journalists, advocates, and senior citizens, while a group of students discusses the current state of the system and potential future developments.

The film was directed by Sue Thomson, who also co-wrote and co-produced the project alongside Adam Farrington-Williams and Lola Nankervis. The cast features Margaret Thomson, Olivia Cornwell, Jane Cornwell, Sarah Holland-Batt, Beverly, and Hanh Vu appearing as themselves. Produced in Australia, the project received support from the MIFF Premiere Fund, The Backlot Films, Shark Island Foundation, and b00mdone. The documentary has a runtime of 88 minutes and was released on August 16, 2025.