Movie Review: ‘Kangaroo Island’

by | Apr 23, 2026 | Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. Learning that Lou’s life is a bit of a mess becomes clear in the first few opening scenes. It’s early morning and she sneaks out after a one-night stand, noticing missed calls from Steve, her ex that she’s living with temporarily (along with his new partner). Soon, she’s dumped by her agent and is adamant that she won’t fly home to see her dad, despite holding the ticket he purchased for her. This is the feature film directorial debut from Timothy David, and the screenplay comes from Sally Gifford, who also has a small role in the film.

Rebecca Breeds (“Pretty Little Liars”) delivers a terrific performance as Lou, in this smart drama filmed in Australia. Of course, after a drinking spree in the airport lounge, Lou ends up on the flight and the reunion with her family is every bit as awkward as she imagined. Lou had some early success as a TV actor, but her career has hit a rough patch. Lou and her sister Freya (Adelaide Clemens, “Justified: City Primeval”) have what could be termed a strained relationship … due to the fact that Freya married Lou’s ex-boyfriend, surfer/astronomer Ben (Joel Jackson). The sisters’ dad (Erik Thomson) has beckoned her to return home so that he can deliver significant news.

It’s actually a bit of guilty fun watching Lou and Ben dodge the past, while Freya tries to convince Lou that God is the path to a better life. Flashbacks to ten years prior – before Lou left Australia to pursue stardom. We see the early days of Lou, Ben, and Freya … along with mention of another tragedy. This flashback allows us to join in the uncomfortable moments these three share in modern times. In fact, family dynamics are such that we realize stress has been an ongoing element for these folks, right along with dishonesty and lack of transparency. The transfer of the family home and talk of euthanasia create even more strife … almost to the breaking point for some.

What we learn is that frayed bonds do not necessarily mean broken bonds. Can the family come together … or at least be honest with each other? This drama is well done and handled exceptionally by the cast, especially Rebecca Breeds (whom I was not familiar with). The scenery of this island in Australia is often breathtaking, and the running ‘lost luggage’ gag is one for the ages.

Opening in theaters on April 24, 2026

David Ferguson
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