Stories from Life: Brian McFarlane Reviews The Travellers and Kangaroo
In recent weeks, two new Australian films have quietly demanded our attention. These are Kangaroo (the third film with this title in Australian cinema history) and The Travellers. Both films are unpretentious, sensitive, and subtly crafted, blending comedy and poignant moments. Their restrained style is rare and often overlooked in Australian cinema, setting them apart from more familiar films like The Man from Snowy River or Mad Max.
Kangaroo: A Semi-Biographical Charm
Directed by Kate Woods, who mainly worked in television except for her 2000 feature Looking for Alibrandi, Kangaroo stands out as a charming work. The film is a semi-biographical portrayal of a man’s life, focusing on his preoccupations and how they transform dramatically over time. It avoids the typical biopic format, as the opening title clarifies it was “inspired” by a true story.
Opening Scenes and Characters
The film opens with two episodes introducing its main characters. The first, shown before the film’s title, features a young Indigenous girl named Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley) running through expansive outback Australia landscapes, accompanied by bounding kangaroos.
“Inspired” by a true story.
Author’s Summary
Both Kangaroo and The Travellers quietly deliver heartfelt, nuanced Australian stories, showcasing subtle storytelling rarely seen in the national cinema landscape.