Last Cab to Darwin

Last Cab to Darwin is a poignant and thought-provoking Australian drama movie directed by Jeremy Sims and released in 2015. This cinematic gem merges elements of comedy, drama and romance into a deeply engaging narrative about life, its myriad complexities and the human quest for peace and satisfaction.

At the heart of the narrative is Rex, masterfully portrayed by Michael Caton. Rex is a humble and hard-working taxi driver residing in Broken Hill, a small town in the Australian Outback. His quiet life comprises of driving his cab, having a beer with his mates, and arguing with his aboriginal neighbor cum secret paramour, Polly (Ningali Lawford).

However, this mundane existence is completely upturned when Rex gets diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and is informed that he has only three months to live. Facing death and the fear of a slow, painful demise, Rex makes a decision, controversial yet brave, influenced by a newly promulgated law in the Northern Territory that allows for euthanasia - the legal termination of life for those suffering from incurable and painful illnesses.

This propels him onto a 3000-kilometer journey in his taxi up north to Darwin to meet the euthanasia advocating doctor, Dr. Farmer. This journey becomes a transformative one, as Rex, initially reclusive and prejudiced, opens up to encounters with vibrant and diverse individuals who influence him in different ways.

One main character is Tilly, played by Mark Coles Smith, an indigenous drifter with an effervescent personality, impressing the audience with his spirited performance. Rex's interaction with Tilly subtly unveils the themes of race, friendship, and understanding that lie below the surface of a simple drive across the country. Tilly's free-spirited nature juxtaposed with Rex's restrained personality creates a blend of heartache, humor, and life-learning lessons, making the journey more than just a nervous anticipation of its end.

Ningali Lawford-Wolf as Polly gives an impressive performance, portraying the pain of an Aboriginal woman clandestinally in love with white Rex against the backdrop of a society still grappling with racial prejudices. She depicts strength, vulnerability, and a profound sense of love, adding complex layers to the narrative.

Last Cab to Darwin is beautifully shot, making the best of the vast barren landscapes of the Australian Outback, compellingly capturing the starkness and resilience of not only the landscapes but the people inhabiting it. The cinematography and the music beautifully reflect and enhance the emotional tonality of the narrative, thereby encapsulating the essence of Australian culture and societal system.

The film is much more than a tale of euthanasia. It balances the heavy topic with light humor and seamlessly weaves in elements of companionship, dilemma, fear, and courage. Rex's journey essentially becomes a journey into his own self and his perceptions of life, death, love, and humanity. It offers an exploration of life and death and meticulously examines people's inherent yearning for control over their own existence.

The movie opens up a dialogue about human dignity in death and distinct cultural perceptions towards it, presenting an informed, respectful outlook without becoming preachy. Director Jeremy Sims offers nuance to a potentially divisive and controversial subject matter by focusing on the movie's humane aspects and presenting a heartbreaking yet hopeful narrative.

In essence, Last Cab to Darwin is a narratively compelling and thoughtfully directed drama. It's a journey into the outback that lingers in your memory for its handling of profound themes, brilliant performances and quiet, understated humor. If you're looking for something that resonates with authenticity and simple charm of storytelling, this movie is a must-watch, leaving you with things to contemplate, chuckle at, and cherish.