Runt is the wholesome and heartwarming family flick that we need right now. Adapted from Craig Silvey’s beloved children’s story of the same name, Runt is directed by John Sheedy and he brings the same classic family-friendly atmosphere and sense of hope as in the original novel.
Set in Upson Downs, the fictional country town suffering mid-drought inhabited by a bevy of kooky characters, and in particular our protagonists the Shearers, Runt follows the story of Annie Shearer (Lily LaTorre) and her bitzer dog called well, Runt. The dynamic duo are determined to help Annie’s parents Bryan (Jai Courtney) and Susie (Celeste Barber) keep their farm afloat, lest it be purchased by local baddie Earl Robert-Barren (Jack Thompson). Robert-Barren is hoarding more than just the surrounding land, his dam has meant that the whole town is running dry and the local people are struggling to make ends meet. Annie is a girl with a plan, actually lots of plans and inventions, and spends her time trying her best at ‘fixing things’.
While trying to sell her mother’s woeful pies at the town fair, Annie discovers a dog agility competition with a decent cash prize up for grabs, if she can beat the flamboyant Fergus Fink (Matt Day) and his perky Papillon pooch around the course. Seeing it as a way for her and Run to help her family, the determined Annie concocts a plan with her daredevil brother Max (Jack LaTorre) to distract the audience and overcome her only obstacle – Runt’s stage fright. The daring plan works! Well, minus a broken arm, leaving Annie with the thirst for competition, but more importantly a way to make it out of their family’s dire financial situation – winning the Agility Course Grand Championships at Krumpets Dog Show in London and the huge cash prize. With Bernadette Box (Deborah Mailman), a former Krumpets champion, on her side, how could she lose?
While the storyline is twee and predictable, it is the phenomenal acting that brings this story to life in a way that will delight viewers young and old. From the over the top camp villain Fergus Fink prancing around the agility course in a tight cuban heel, to the honest and down to earth Shearer family – each casting choice was pitched perfectly. Of particular note is Lily LaTorre (Annie). Her performance has depth and gravitas that is rare for child actors.
It cannot pass without mention, how phenomenally West Australian this film is. With local cast, crew and story the film is saturated with home grown love and pride which shows in the attention to the physical landscape of the setting. The town of York and the Wheatbelt as a whole shine through as a magical landscape that is dry and harsh, but also a cradle for the tender story of Annie and her adopted pup.
Runt is a film that will warm your heart and have you cheering for the underdog, literally! Filled with passion and uniquely Australian spirit it is definitely one to watch with the whole family.
7/10
