Stories from Life • Brian McFarlane
The Travellers and Kangaroo Reviewed
Brian McFarlane Cinema, 5 November 2025
Warmth and Subtlety in Recent Australian Films
Two new Australian films have recently emerged, quietly demanding and deserving attention: Kangaroo and The Travellers. Both films offer unpretentious, sensitive storytelling with subtle direction, blending comedy and poignancy in ways uncommon to our national cinema, distinct from iconic films like The Man from Snowy River or Mad Max.
Kangaroo: A Semi-Biographical Tale
Directed by Kate Woods, known mostly for TV and her 2000 feature Looking for Alibrandi, Kangaroo is a charming semi-biographical film inspired by a true story. It explores a man's evolving life and concerns without following conventional biopic formulas. The film opens with two episodes introducing its protagonists.
“Inspired by a true story.”
In the first episode, before the title appears, a young Indigenous girl named Charlie (played by Lily Whiteley) runs through the expansive outback, accompanied by bounding kangaroos.
Cast Highlights in The Travellers
The Travellers features Luke Bracey, Brian Brown, and Susie Porter, delivering performances filled with warmth and subtlety that resonate deeply with audiences.
Author's Summary: These two understated Australian films offer a refreshing mix of humor and emotional depth, showcasing a style and sensitivity rarely seen in the country's mainstream cinema.
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