The Earthling

The Earthling is a 1980 drama film directed by Peter Collinson that co-stars William Holden, Ricky Schroder, and Jack Thompson. The film centres around the themes of survival, connection, redemption, and the human experience as it unfolds in the heart of the Australian wilderness.

In The Earthling, William Holden magnificently portrays the character of Patrick Foley, a cosmopolitan geologist stricken by a terminal illness who decided to return to the rugged outback of his homeland, Australia. This revisitation is not merely sentimental but piercingly reflective, as Foley intends to die in the wilderness. Instead, he finds his perspective and purpose subtly shift when a chance encounter changes his journey's course.

Enter a young boy named Shawn Daley, portrayed by Ricky Schroder, who is on vacation with his parents in the Australian wilderness. When a calamitous event occurs, it abruptly takes Shawn's parents out of the picture, leaving the young boy alone, terrified, and ill-equipped to survive in the desolate and unfamiliar landscape. He crosses paths with Foley in the wake of this tragedy, and a reluctant bond is formed, turning the film into a tale of survival, intergenerational friendship, and unexpected mentorship.

Mesmerising performances by the veterans, Holden and Thompson, who plays a local entrepreneur and long-lost friend of Foley's, imbue depth to this story about human connection. Yet, it is Schroder's touching portrayal of the juvenile Shawn that amplifies the emotional fabric of the narrative. His performance resonates with innocence, fear, and confusion, helping viewers connect with his struggle to adapt to new realities, learn life's tough lessons, and eventually evolve to meet the unforgiving wilderness's challenges.

While the human experience is central in The Earthling, the Australian wilderness practically evolves as a character on its own. The picturesque yet ruthless outback, with its vast skies, dangerous terrains, and beautiful, solitary eucalyptus forests, serves as far more than a backdrop. It encapsulates the robust, relentless spirit of the land while constantly challenging its inhabitants and serving as a relentless tutor to Shawn along his strenuous journey.

The Earthling, under the adept helmsmanship of director Peter Collinson, intricately weaves a gripping narrative of survival and human bonds, redefining the meaning of home and belonging. The powerful screenplay by Lanny Cotler subtly conveys emotional turmoil and personal transformations through sparse dialogues, focusing instead on the narrative told by the expressive performances and evocative Australian landscape.

Cinematographer John Seale captures the natural beauty and austerity of the Australian outback exceptionally, drawing viewers into the film's raw and rugged world. Furthermore, the dramatic underscore by Italian composer Mario Nascimbene underscores the movie's various emotional moods, adding layers of depth to the dramatic narrative.

Admittedly intense, The Earthling deals with death, suffering, loneliness, and the brutal realities of life through a poignant narrative and compelling characters. Yet, it also optimistically explores human resilience, the instinct of survival, and the unlikely friendships that foster hope amid despair. It is a profound journey through the landscapes of human experience and the Australian wilderness that leaves an enduring impact on the viewers.

Today, The Earthling stands tall as a potent cinematic masterpiece of the 80s, continuing to inspire and intrigue audiences and filmmakers alike with its compelling narrative, memorable performances, and a strong emotional appeal. It presents a fascinating study of the human spirit's resilience against odds, the unexpected bonds that bring us together, and the innate capacity for inner growth and learning, making it a must-watch for lovers of deeply meaningful and thought-provoking cinema.