Natalie Imbruglia is returning to her acting roots to star in an eerie new movie in her native Australia. The newly married star will play a woman haunted by the disappearance of her sister in Elise - three years after she initially agreed to take the role.

Director James Bogle admits he's been trying to make the movie for a decade, and he's convinced Imbruglia will impress the critics when she proves she's so much more than the Aussie soap star, who first shot to fame on TV series Neighbours.

He tells the Sydney Daily Herald newspaper, "I saw a certain sensitivity and fragility there and I sensed she might want to do a more serious drama. I have a clear sense that this will be a very good vehicle for her."

The film is based on Georgia Blain's novel Closed For Winter.