Watch Last Cab to Darwin
- NR
- 2016
- 2 hr 3 min
-
7.2 (4,267)
Last Cab to Darwin is a 2015 Australian drama film that tells the story of a terminally ill taxi driver named Rex (Michael Caton) who embarks on a journey to Darwin, the capital city of Northern Territory, with the intention of taking advantage of the recently legalized euthanasia program. Along the way, he meets a range of characters, including an Aboriginal woman named Tilly (Ningali Lawford) and a young Indigenous orphan named Tilly (Mark Coles Smith), who help him come to terms with his impending death.
The film is set in a small outback town called Broken Hill in New South Wales, where Rex has spent his entire life driving a taxi. He is a beloved figure in the community, known for his friendly demeanor and his penchant for playing the trumpet. But when he is diagnosed with stomach cancer and given only a few months to live, he realizes that he wants to die on his own terms.
With the help of his best friend and fellow taxi driver, Polly (played by the late, great John Howard), Rex sets off on a 3,000-kilometer journey to Darwin, where he hopes to find peace and closure. Along the way, he picks up Tilly, a strong-willed Aboriginal woman who is on the run from her abusive husband. At first, their relationship is fraught with tension, as Rex is a white man from a different era, and Tilly is a proud Indigenous woman who resents the colonial history of Australia. But as they spend more time together, they begin to develop a mutual respect and understanding.
The film also explores the relationship between Rex and Tilly's grandson, Tilly Jr., who is a talented artist and musician. Like Rex, Tilly Jr. is grappling with his own mortality, as he suffers from a debilitating illness that has left him paralyzed from the waist down. Through their shared passion for music, Rex and Tilly Jr. form a deep bond, which ultimately leads to a heart-wrenching scene towards the end of the film.
Last Cab to Darwin is a beautiful and poignant film that deals with themes of life, death, and cultural identity. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as well as the power of friendship and love. The acting is superb, particularly Michael Caton, who delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Rex. Ningali Lawford is also excellent as Tilly, bringing a fierce strength and vulnerability to her character. Mark Coles Smith is equally impressive as Tilly Jr., imbuing his character with a sense of sweetness and optimism despite his condition.
The film also boasts stunning cinematography, showcasing the vast and varied landscapes of Australia's Northern Territory. From the dusty red plains of Broken Hill to the lush tropical forests of Darwin, the film captures the beauty and diversity of the Australian outback in all its glory.
Overall, Last Cab to Darwin is a must-see film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a touching and thought-provoking meditation on life and death, anchored by incredible performances and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're an Australian native or a foreigner unfamiliar with the country, this film is a true gem that deserves to be watched and appreciated by all.
Last Cab to Darwin is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 70.