Robyn Davidson’s epic trek brought to life in Tracks

By Khadija Hadjab

May 23, 2024

**Mia Wasikowska's performance in *Tracks* is full of nuance and depth.**

Sometimes, you have a dream buried within your soul. When you share it, some might believe it to be impossible, some may not understand it, and others may even label you “crazy”.

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Yet, the naysayers and considerable odds stacked against you don’t scare you. In fact, you know your dream is encoded in the deepest part of your soul — the only thing you can do is prove everyone wrong.

Based on Robyn Davidson’s true story, Tracks is the ultimate tale of resilience, blind faith in one’s capacities, and self-discovery.

Directed by John Curran, the 2013 film is an adaptation of Robyn Davidson’s autobiography.

In 1977, Davidson achieved a feat no-one else had done: with no prior knowledge of camel handling, she left behind her Brisbane life to temporarily relocate to Alice Springs.

But that was only the beginning of her journey. After a few months of preparation, she embarked on a life-changing trip across 2700 km from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean with nothing but a few belongings, her dog, Diggity, and four camels.

Her trip is partially documented by a National Geographic photographer, Rick Smolan — played on screen by Adam Driver.

Mia Wasikowska’s performance as Davidson captures the complexity of her character — her unyielding strength and vulnerability shine discreetly yet brightly.

“Highlighting the rawness of Australia with incredible cinematography and containing a powerful performance from Wasikowska, Tracks is very above-average dramatic fare”, wrote Don Shanahan for Every Movie Has a Lesson.

Tracks is an ode to the breathtaking yet unforgiving Australian outback and Indigenous culture. At times, the vastness of the landscape mirrors Davidson’s isolation, doubts and the many challenges she faces.

“Tracks succeeds magnificently in capturing the daunting atmosphere of the vast and harsh Australian outback”, wrote James Croot for Stuff.co.nz.

But as the narrative unfolds, we are taken along for the ride and share Davidson’s joys and victories, too.

Tracks is a moving film that celebrates the unbreakable nature of the human spirit. It has an 82 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and garnered two awards, along with 19 nominations.

The movie is available on ABC iView. If you’re looking for a film that will lift your spirits while offering extraordinary Australian landscapes, you’re in for a treat.