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Australia's 'Wolfram': A Brutal Western Echoes Colonial Trauma
17 Feb
Summary
- The film depicts separation of families in 1930s colonial Australia.
- Visuals showcase arid beauty and oppressive heat of the landscape.
- It critiques systems of oppression and their hollow beneficiaries.
Warwick Thornton's "Wolfram," set in early 1930s colonial Australia, delves into profound themes of separation within families and the erosion of humanity. The narrative centers on Pansy, who leaves tokens for her separated children, Max and Kid, while grappling with the care of a baby.
The film unfolds as a survival thriller, adopting the archetypes of a Western. It portrays abrasive villains like Casey and his apprentice Frank, who exploit the era's systemic exploitation, particularly of Aboriginal children. Max and Kid face perilous situations, including abduction, underscoring the historical reality of children being considered property.
