Kev (played by Hugo Weaving) and his son (played by newcomer Tom Russell) take an impromptu road trip. As the story unfolds we learn that Weaving’s character is an ex-con with a temper. We get the sense that the two are on the run even though the boy isn’t aware of it in the beginning.
Realizing that his recent actions will send him to prison and away from his son, Kev takes his son on a one last road trip. Kev has clearly not been the worlds greatest father and he uses this trip to try and make up for that. He also tries to teach his son some important life lessons along the way.
The boy begins to understand why they’re taking the trip about the same time we learn how much of an ass the father really is. Although his motive may be pure in this instance, usually he finds trouble around every corner.
The film is slow, but the performances were excellent. Weaving again demonstrates his incredible range as a dead-beat dad. You forget that he played such different characters in The Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings. If this film had a little more flash I’d expect Weaving to get nominated for awards come year end. Unfortunately I don’t think that will happen with this Australian film.
Derek’s Grade: B-
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