Cast and crew of Addition at the Australian premiere | Photo supplied by NIXCO
Against the glittering backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Westpac OpenAir played host to the Australian premiere of Addition on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. The event welcomed a host of film industry figures, with lead actress Teresa Palmer, director Marcelle Lunam, and acclaimed author Toni Jordan stepping onto the red carpet to celebrate the film’s long-awaited debut.
Adapted from Toni Jordan’s bestselling novel, Addition is a romantic comedy with heart, humour, and emotional depth. The film centres on Grace Lisa Vandenburg, portrayed by Teresa Palmer, a woman who navigates life through numbers. Grace counts everything — from the letters in her name to the poppy seeds scattered across her orange cake — believing numbers provide structure and meaning in an unpredictable world. Palmer brings a nuanced charm to the role, capturing both Grace’s meticulous nature and the vulnerability that lies beneath her carefully ordered life.
Palmer, fresh from her recent screen successes including Mix Tape and The Fall Guy, was warmly received by fans and media alike. Her performance anchors the film, offering a character study that is both playful and deeply resonant. Grace’s rigid routine is challenged when she meets Seamus, played by Joe Dempsie, whose spontaneous nature disrupts her numerical certainty and forces her to reconsider what truly matters.
Director Marcelle Lunam, making a confident statement with this adaptation, spoke about the delicate balance of honouring the source material while embracing cinema’s visual storytelling. Lunam’s direction leans into the story’s intimacy, allowing moments of quiet reflection to sit comfortably alongside the film’s romantic and comedic beats.
For author Toni Jordan, the premiere marked a milestone moment. Watching her much-loved characters take shape on screen was both surreal and gratifying, as she joined the cast and creative team to celebrate the film’s journey from page to screen. Jordan’s novel has long resonated with readers for its exploration of difference, love, and self-acceptance, themes that remain at the heart of the film adaptation.
The open-air screening added an extra layer of magic to the evening, with audiences settling in beneath the stars as the harbour lights shimmered in the distance. The setting reflected the film’s tone — warm, inviting, and quietly enchanting.
Australian Premiere of Addition | Photo supplied by NIXCO
At its core, Addition is a story about learning to embrace imperfection and recognising that life’s most meaningful moments cannot always be measured or counted. It’s a gentle reminder that love, connection and self-acceptance often arrive when we least expect them.
The Australian premiere signalled a strong start for Addition, positioning it as a crowd-pleasing romcom with substance and soul. With its relatable characters, thoughtful storytelling, and standout performances, the film is poised to connect with audiences seeking both entertainment and emotional resonance as it rolls out across cinemas.