Watch One Night the Moon

Set in the late 1930s in rural Australia, One Night the Moon is a visually striking and hauntingly emotional musical drama that explores the themes of racial divide, love, loss, grief, and the power of nature. The story revolves around a farmer, Jim Ryan (Paul Kelly), and his family, including his wife Rose (Kaarin Fairfax) and their young daughter Emily. One day, Emily goes missing in the bush, and despite Jim's extensive search, he fails to find her. He eventually seeks the help of a black tracker, Albert (Kelton Pell), who is one of the best in the region, but Jim's deep-seated racist attitudes and prejudices prevent him from fully trusting and working with Albert.

As the search for Emily intensifies, tensions rise between Jim and Albert, as well as between Jim and Rose, who begins to question Jim's priorities and actions. Meanwhile, Emily (Memphis Kelly), who has wandered off into the wilderness, encounters a mystical figure called the Moon (Ruby Hunter), who sings to her and offers her comfort and guidance.

The film is unique in that it is presented entirely through music, with little or no dialogue between the characters. The songs, written and performed by Paul Kelly and his band, are an eclectic mix of folk, blues, and country, and convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters with depth and nuance. The music also underscores the film's otherworldly atmosphere, which is heightened by the stark, dreamlike cinematography and the haunting landscapes of the Australian outback.

One Night the Moon is an important film that addresses the ongoing legacy of racism and its devastating effects on individuals and communities. It also raises questions about the relationship between humans and the natural world and the spiritual power of music and art to transcend human conflicts and suffering.

The performances in the film are exceptional, particularly from Paul Kelly, who offers a nuanced and complex portrayal of a flawed and conflicted man, and Kaarin Fairfax, who brings depth and empathy to her role as a grieving mother. Memphis Kelly, who was only four years old at the time of filming, is also remarkable in her brief but powerful appearance, capturing the innocence, wonder, and fears of a child lost in the wilderness.

Director Rachel Perkins, who is of Aboriginal descent, brings a distinctive and nuanced perspective to the film, exploring the complex and fragile relationships between whites and blacks in Australia and the multi-layered meanings of the Australian landscape. The film is a bold and ambitious work that pays tribute to the power of storytelling, music, and cinema to connect people across cultures and time.

One Night the Moon is a film that deserves to be better known and appreciated for its artistic and social relevance. It is a film that challenges its audience to think deeply about the past, present, and future of Australia and its people, and to embrace our shared humanity and diversity.