Kangaroo (2025): a true story family film hits cinemas
Kangaroo hits cinemas today; it’s a family movie that actually earns the title “family” by letting kangaroos steal a few scenes. The story follows Chris Masterman, played by Ryan Corr, an ex-TV personality who finds himself stranded in a remote Outback town. He teams up with an Indigenous girl, Charlie (Lily Whiteley), to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys. The plot is inspired by the real-life work of Chris “Brolga” Barns at the Kangaroo Sanctuary; yes, that’s a real sanctuary, and yes, the kangaroos are just as charming in person.
Director Kate Woods returns to Australia to bring this story to life; her career spans TV and international projects, and she knows how to make the Outback look cinematic without relying on cheap filters. Writers Harry Cripps, known for The Dry and Back to the Outback, and Melina Marchetta, best known for her novels, give the story both heart and humor; the wildlife rescue scenes could have been saccharine, but they’re saved by clever dialogue and some truly expressive kangaroo cameos.
Filming took place on location in Alice Springs and the Kangaroo Sanctuary on Arrernte Country, as well as in Sydney, including Bondi; these settings aren’t just scenic, they’re integral to the story. The film balances the rugged beauty of Central Australia with the urban contrast of Sydney, giving the audience a taste of both worlds.
Cast and characters
The cast is a who’s-who of Australian talent; besides Ryan Corr and Lily Whiteley, the film features Deborah Mailman, Ernie Dingo, Brooke Satchwell, and Wayne Blair. Mailman and Dingo bring weight and gravitas; Satchwell and Blair add charm and humor. Local actors and extras from the Northern Territory also play a big part; dozens of locals joined the cast, so some of the crowd scenes are more authentic than most CGI could ever be.
Cultural and economic impact in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory supported the production with Screen Territory’s Production Attraction Incentive Program (PAIP), contributing around A$900,000; the impact was immediate. The production reportedly created roughly 150 local jobs, engaged 100 local businesses, and injected A$4–4.4 million into the Territory’s economy.
Culturally, Kangaroo foregrounds Indigenous partnership and Arrernte Country; the film also offered experience to emerging local talent like Samantha Laughton, an Eastern Arrernte director’s attachment. The Sanctuary itself and the surrounding landscapes are shown authentically; seeing the land and wildlife represented on screen will be meaningful for local communities and intriguing for international audiences.
Industry context
Kangaroo comes at a promising moment for the Northern Territory film sector; incentives and support programs are attracting more productions, bringing both economic benefits and tourism opportunities. Family films about wildlife often risk sentimentality, but credible writers, an experienced director, and real locations keep this film grounded; the kangaroos do most of the heavy lifting, but the human story holds its own.
What audiences can expect
Viewers can expect heartfelt family drama mixed with moments of genuine comedy from the animal cast; friendship, community, and wildlife care are central. The contrast between the red deserts of Central Australia and the urban beaches of Sydney makes for a visually compelling ride.
Kangaroo is more than a family flick; it’s a celebration of the Northern Territory, a showcase for local talent, and a reminder that sometimes the smallest joey can steal the biggest scene.
Release information
Kangaroo is released in Australian cinemas today.
International release
After premiering in Australia and New Zealand today, Kangaroo is scheduled to roll out across multiple international markets over the coming months. Early releases include Germany and Austria, with other countries such as Poland, Israel, Romania, Switzerland, France, and the UK set to receive the film through late 2025 and early 2026. The staggered release ensures the film reaches audiences gradually, allowing each market to enjoy the story at its own pace.
Source(s)
- Kangaroo Movie Official Synopsis – kangaroomovie.com.au
- Screen Australia: Kangaroo (2025) – screenaustralia.gov.au
- FilmInk: Studiocanal, Brindle Films and Bunya Productions set to film Kangaroo in Australia’s Red Centre – filmink.com.au
- ScreenHub: Kangaroo Northern Territory attracts feature film production – screenhub.com.au
- Courier Mail: Red Centre rolls out the red carpet for premiere of Kangaroo in Alice Springs – couriermail.com.au
- Media Releases NT: Multi-million-dollar film production gets rolling in Alice Springs – mediareleases.nt.gov.au
- Screen Territory: Multi-million-dollar film production gets rolling in Alice Springs – screenterritory.nt.gov.au
- TerritoryQ: From Top End to the World – territoryq.com.au
- Wikipedia: Kangaroo (2025 film) – en.wikipedia.org
- Trailer – Studio Canal YouTube Channel
