Stories from life • Brian McFarlane
The Travellers and Kangaroo reviewed
Brian McFarlane, Cinema, 5 November 2025, 1125 words
Warmth and subtlety: Luke Bracey, Brian Brown, and Susie Porter star in The Travellers.
Two recent Australian films have quietly emerged, deserving attention for their unpretentious and sensitive storytelling. Kangaroo and The Travellers stand apart with their subtle scripts and direction, blending comedy and poignancy in a style not commonly seen in Australian cinema. These films are far removed from the intense action of The Man from Snowy River or Mad Max.
Kangaroo
Directed by Kate Woods, who has mainly worked in television aside from her 2000 feature Looking for Alibrandi, Kangaroo is a charming semi-biographical story. It explores a man's evolving preoccupations over time. Though not a conventional biopic, it is, as an opening title states, "inspired by a true story."
The film begins with two distinct episodes introducing the main characters. First, before the title appears, a young Indigenous girl named Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley) runs across a vast outback landscape with kangaroos bounding nearby.
"Inspired by a true story."
The film's tone is gentle and reflective, focusing on personal transformation rather than dramatic event.
The Travellers
The Travellers also showcases Australian life with nuanced performances that balance humor and emotional depth. Luke Bracey, Brian Brown, and Susie Porter bring warmth and sincerity to their roles, capturing a slice of everyday life that resonates quietly yet profoundly.
Summary
Both films highlight a quieter, more intimate side of Australian cinema, emphasizing character-driven stories with subtle humor and emotional complexity.
Author's evaluation
Brian McFarlane observes that these films reveal a rarely seen sensitivity and warmth in contemporary Australian filmmaking, moving beyond the country's typical cinematic stereotypes.
Author's summary: Two recent Australian films, Kangaroo and The Travellers, stand out for their subtle, character-driven storytelling, blending humor and poignancy with a refreshing sensitivity.
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