Kangaroo Island: Family Turmoil Erupts In Picturesque New Aussie Drama

Families all have issues and secrets whether they’re residing in big cities, small towns or small islands off the mainland, as depicted in this new Australian movie Kangaroo Island.

Directed by Timothy David this moving story surrounds Lou Wells (Rebecca Breeds), who at the insistence of her estranged father Rory (Eric Thomson) returns to the ruggedly beautiful Kangaroo Island after failing at her Hollywood career as an actress.

Lou’s sister Freya (Adelaide Clemens) has married Lou’s boyfriend Ben (Joel Jackson) during her absence from the island which increases tensions between the sisters.

Rory then leaves his waterfront property to Freya, which further adds friction to the sister’s relationship. But emotions explode when Freya’s intention of leasing the property to a religious development is announced.

To further accelerate the tension old feelings are evoked between Ben and Lou and a love triangle builds. Tragically Rory also announces he’s slowly dying from Motor Neuron Disease and is contemplating euthanasia.

Amongst all these alarming issues Lou receives a call from her agent announcing that she has scored a lead role in a prime-time drama in the US which could lead to a successful Hollywood career.

Should Lou return to the US to save her acting career or stay on the island and nurse her ailing father? Will Lou rekindle her relationship with Ben and ultimately, can the sisters recover from the many years of unresolved tension?

One of the characters announces, “There’s more dramas here than on Home and Away!” which audiences should agree is an understatement (and humorous since actress Rebecca Breeds had an ongoing role on Home and Away for four years).

Kangaroo Island has many soapy elements, but it’s a highly emotional story of fractured family relationships, reconciliation, new beginnings and primarily the significance of the family unit.

Rebecca Breeds is a fine Australian actress who gained international acting experience on Pretty Little Liars and masters the role of Lou perfectly. She headlines the cast with Adelaide Clemens whose impressive resume includes a role on The Great Gatsby. Together their remarkable performances add credence as the estranged sisters.

Eric Thomson never fails to deliver; his performance perfectly conveys the emotional depth that compounds to the seriousness and sadness of his character.

Kangaroo Island is a principle character in the movie itself. The mesmerising beauty of the unspoiled natural landscapes, rugged coastlines and wildlife are a postcard to the world. The breathtaking cinematography captures the sweeping beauty of the island  completely immersing audiences.

This is a sombre yet enjoyable Australian film with some humorous elements that leaves audiences with an overt message; appreciate life as we think we have all the time in the world… when we actually don’t.

Kangaroo Island

***1/2

In Cinemas August 21