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8/10

Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver

Director: John Curran

A touching account, if not one likely to convert you to adventures in Australia's Outback and deserts, of gutsy traveller Robyn Davidson (Wasikowska) and her 1977 attempt to walk across Oz from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, a distance of some 1700 miles - accompanied only by her dog and four camels.

After hard work on ranches to buy her camels, Robyn is approached by National Geographic magazine, who sponsor the trip provided that she stop four or five times along the way for photo shoots with cameraman Rick (Driver); the two become one-time lovers during the trek, although he hardly endears himself to local Aboriginals by his opportunist behaviour, and it is only through her own personality and achievements that Robyn is able to get an experienced 'old fella' to accompany her on stages of the latter part of the journey.

There are a few excitements - and sadnesses - along the trail, notably a scary few moments when Davidson is charged by wild camels. The admirable Wasikowska works hard in the leading role - she's not as pretty as the real Robyn, which actually helps - and looks at home with the camels, as well as suitably drained and sunscorched towards the end.

But her character - and the direction - just about keeps going, while Driver is as charmless as you assume he's intended to be.

David Quinlan

Australia 2013. UK Distributor: Entertainment One. Colour by deluxe.
113 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 12A.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 1.

Review date: 21 Apr 2014