Stories from Life - Brian McFarlane
The Travellers and Kangaroo Reviewed
Brian McFarlane Cinema, 5 November 2025, 1125 words
Warmth and Subtlety in Recent Australian Films
Recently, two new Australian films have quietly emerged, deserving attention for their unpretentious, sensitive storytelling. Kangaroo and The Travellers stand out for their subtle writing and direction, blending comedy and poignancy. These films offer a refreshing contrast to the well-known rugged styles of movies like The Man from Snowy River or Mad Max.
Kangaroo: A Semi-Biographical Journey
Directed by Kate Woods, who mainly has a background in television aside from her 2000 feature Looking for Alibrandi, Kangaroo is a charming film inspired by a true story. It’s a semi-biographical portrayal centered on a man's life, exploring his evolving preoccupations.
The film opens with two episodes introducing the main characters. The first, before the title sequence, features a young Indigenous girl named Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley) running across a sweeping outback Australian landscape, accompanied by bounding kangaroos.
“Inspired by a true story.”
The Travellers: A Gentle and Thoughtful Narrative
The Travellers, featuring Luke Bracey, Brian Brown, and Susie Porter, offers a similarly nuanced experience. The film is marked by a gentle warmth and subtle performances, highlighting quiet moments uncommon in typical Australian cinema.
Author's Summary
Both films present understated, authentic Australian stories that gently blend humor and depth, offering fresh perspectives away from traditional cinematic tropes.