Stories from Life: Brian McFarlane Reviews The Travellers and Kangaroo
In recent weeks, two new Australian films have quietly drawn attention and deserve recognition. Kangaroo (the third film with this title in Australian cinema history) and The Travellers are both unpretentious, sensitive, and subtly crafted. Each balances comedy and poignancy, presenting a style that is less common in our film landscape—far removed from productions like The Man from Snowy River or Mad Max.
Kangaroo: A Semi-Biographical Charm
Directed by Kate Woods, who has been primarily active in television except for her 2000 feature Looking for Alibrandi, Kangaroo is a warm and charming film. It offers a semi-biographical account of a man’s life, exploring how his concerns evolve dramatically over time. The film is not a traditional biopic but, as an opening title notes, it is "inspired by a true story."
The narrative begins with two introductory episodes presenting the protagonists. In the first scene, before the film's title appears, a young Indigenous girl named Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley) is shown running through the expansive Australian outback, with kangaroos bounding freely alongside her.
The Travellers: Warmth and Subtlety
The Travellers features performances by Luke Bracey, Brian Brown, and Susie Porter, delivering a nuanced story filled with warmth and subtle emotion. Like Kangaroo, it combines elements of comedy and poignancy, highlighting an understated approach rarely seen in our cinema.
Warmth and subtlety: Luke Bracey, Brian Brown and Susie Porter in The Travellers.
Key Elements
- Both films offer understated storytelling that blends humor with heartfelt moments.
- They mark a departure from typical Australian action or adventure films.
- Director Kate Woods brings her television experience to create a thoughtfully paced narrative in Kangaroo.
These films enrich the Australian film landscape by exploring personal stories with sensitivity and depth.
Author's summary: Two recent Australian films, Kangaroo and The Travellers, quietly captivate with their subtle, heartfelt storytelling, marking a refreshing shift from mainstream cinema.