Tracks

The 2013 film "Tracks" is a distinctive and captivating film that follows the extraordinary journey of a young woman across the vast expanse of Australian Outback. Directed by John Curran and starring Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, and Lily Pearl, this true story is based on the life of Robyn Davidson who, in the late 1970s, journeyed nearly 2,000 miles across the Australian desert with only her dog and four camels for company.

Mia Wasikowska illuminates the screen as Robyn Davidson, a woman driven by an immense desire for solitude after a series of personal tragedies. This quest gives the character a unique and captivating appeal, and Wasikowska does an impeccable job of displaying the courage, resilience, and vulnerability inherent in her character's journey. She’s able to capture Robyn’s complexities and make us care about her unusual quest, questioning our understanding of solitude and the draw of the uncompromising wilderness.

Another essential character in this film is Rick Smolan, portrayed with sensitivity and charm by Adam Driver, who later came to prominence through his role in the "Star Wars" saga. Driver's character is a National Geographic photographer assigned to document Robyn's journey, and he does a fantastic job of adding a contrasting dynamic to the film. His clumsy enthusiasm and cheerful clumsiness subtly clashing with Robyn's reticent and solitary nature illuminates the theme of finding connection and understanding amidst vast difference.

Further, Lily Pearl, playing the young Robyn, effectively adds an emotional depth and context to the narrative, showcasing the roots of Robyn's longing for solitude and her extraordinary bravery in the face of daunting odds.

Aside from the excellent performances, "Tracks" is also noteworthy for its stunning cinematography. Mandy Walker, the film’s cinematographer, magnificently captures the stark beauty and deadly allurement of the Outback. The arid desert landscapes and vibrant sunsets become stand-alone characters in the film, adding another layer of beauty and danger to Robyn's journey.

The story of "Tracks" is a test of human spirit against brutal adverse circumstances. It lands somewhere between a character study and a riveting survival narrative. The protagonist undergoes self-discovery through an immense physical challenge that necessitates an inner journey of introspection and defiance against societal norms of women. It brings into focus the concept of freedom, the lure and perils of solitude, and a unique relationship between humans and the primal world of nature.

On the surface, the storyline of "Tracks" might sound simple, yet the film doesn't lose its engaging momentum, thanks to direction of John Curran. He deftly explores the emotional landscape of the characters, maintaining a careful balance between the personal struggles of Robyn and her physical odyssey across the Outback.

The music score from Garth Stevenson also serves as the spiritual heartbeat of the film. It accentuates the scenic grandeur and the quiet yet potent drama inherent in the interactions between the characters and their surroundings. It's an auditory representation of the inner and outer voyages undertaken by the protagonist - serving as a piano-driven lullaby in one moment and a resounding anthem in the next.

The 2013 film "Tracks" is a visually breathtaking and emotionally captivating adventure that chronicles a woman's journey through one of the world's harshest environments. The masterful performances by Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver combined with the stunning cinematography make it a worthwhile watch. It is an introspective, deeply moving adaptation of an extraordinary real-life story that takes us on a ride through the desolate beauty of the Australian outback and the depth of human resilience.