Director : Stephan Johnson
Year: 2020
Genre: Australian western, meat pie western, kangaroo western, western down under
Cast : Jacob Junior Nayinggal (GutJuk), Travis (Simon Baker), Clair (Caren Pistorius), Eddy (Calab Malvey), Wityana Marika (Grandfather Dharrpa), Moran (Jack Thompson),
It is story of revenge and violence in wilderness of Australia. The story focuses on four men and choices they make. Gutjuk (Tommy) is a mission boy who is taken from his family after a bloody massacre finds out that his uncle Baywara, who was shot during and killing is still alive and has been consumed by his anger and has taken a path of revenge. Gutjuk who was saved by Travis (Simon) lead him to his uncle who is now wanted for killings however Gutjuk (Tommy) warns Baywara in advance and because of that his gang is able to capture Travis. This leads Widyana Marika (Community Elder) to take matters in his hands. He along with others goes to meet Moran (Jack Thompson) to negotiate and establish peace however during the negotiation Baywara commits more killings and Widyana realises that justice and peace is not an option and leaves Baywara on it’s own. Gutjuk (Tommy), again is reminded by Wityana Marika (Community Elder) that he needs to remain on his land and chose a peaceful path for himself however learning from his recent experience he joins Baywara, who is then taken out by Travis (Simon) who believes that he is going to kill Gutjuk. Gutjuk assembles the left over gang members and attacks the mission centre to take revenge for Baywara which leads the story to a final ends where everyone’s loyalty is tested.
The story is about anger and revenge while the choices that people make are limited. Gutjuk is saved by Travis (Simon) who sacrifices himself. Plot driven writing suits this reverge driven drama. It is a really beautiful film and feels like we are right there in the wild which is full of abundance.