Kangaroo – Film Review
by G. O’Byrne

Director – Kate Woods
Writers – Peta-Lee Cole-Manolis, Harry Cripps, Danielle Maclean
Stars – Ryan Corr, Lily Whiteley, Deborah Mailman

This film tells the story of Chris Masterman (Ryan Corr), a washed-up weather presenter whose car breaks down in a small town in the middle of Australia. There, he befriends a local girl, Charlie (Lily Whiteley), grieving the death of her father. They form an unlikely friendship over the rescue of orphaned baby kangaroos.

Ryan Corr, in a sympathetic and likeable performance,  plays Chris, who learns to reevaluate what is important in his life in this rural setting, a far cry from the big city where he had previously worked. Lily Whiteley plays Charlie, the young indigenous girl, who he befriends, with Deborah Mailman as her struggling mother, Rosie.

The film is set against stunning scenery in the hot interior of the Australian continent, and the wonderful opening sequence of an aerial shot of the young girl running with a troop of kangaroos is reminiscent of Jurassic Park in its grandeur.

There is a strong sense of community and inherited culture amongst the indigenous townspeople that gradually shines through, and by way of the rescue and raising of orphaned baby kangaroos, Chris begins to see a new, more authentic way of living. Likewise, Charlie, initially lost in her grief for her deceased father and only finding companionship with rescued kangaroos, gradually finds her way back to her community.

Deborah Mailman gives a warm and emotional performance as Charlie’s widowed mother, struggling to hold things together for Charlie while processing her own grief. Other enjoyable performances include New Zealand actress Rachel House as the acerbic bar owner, and also Wayne Blair and Trisha Morton-Thomas as Charlie’s grandparents.

This film is inspired by the true-life story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the Kangaroo Sanctuary at Alice Springs, where he raised, amongst others, Roger the musclebound Kangaroo, who became an internet sensation. It is directed by Kate Woods, who is new to film but has a vast catalogue of TV shows behind her (including episodes of The Umbrella Academy, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Law & Order). This is a family comedy with a funny and lighthearted script, and there is much wit around the city slicker stranded in the small town. It’s a film for all the family to sit and watch, especially on a wet winter’s day in Ireland!