Quick Info
"Tracks" is one of those quietly mesmerizing adventure films you don't hear about much but should. It follows Robyn Davidson’s real-life, solo trek across 1,700 miles of Australian desert in 1977, with just her dog and four camels for company. The sheer landscape is a character of its own—endless sand, burnt orange palettes, bruised skies—and watching Mia Wasikowska disappear into it is both hypnotic and nerve-wracking.
What stands out most is Wasikowska’s portrayal of Robyn. She nails the combination of resolve and vulnerability, making the audience root for her even when you can’t always fully grasp what drives her. Adam Driver pops up as the awkwardly endearing National Geographic photographer, a nice counterpoint, though he mostly hovers at the story’s edge. The movie avoids turning Robyn into a quirky eccentric or a superhero—she just wants solitude, despite the world not letting her fade into the background.
Some viewers might find the pacing a bit meditative—there’s a lot of walking, reflecting, and very little action. But I found it fitting; the film wants you to feel the length and gravity of her journey. The cinematography is honestly stunning. Director John Curran drenches every frame in color and light to underline both the beauty and harshness of the Outback.
If there’s anything lacking, it’s maybe a deeper look into Robyn’s psyche. She’s guarded, and while that’s authentic to the real Davidson, sometimes it keeps the film at arm’s length emotionally. Still, that sense of distance mirrors the isolation of the trek and sets it apart from more melodramatic adventure movies.
You would enjoy this if you liked introspective adventures (think "Into the Wild" minus the self-destruction), films led by quietly strong performances, and stories set against jaw-dropping natural backdrops. It’s not for thrill-seekers, but it’s gripping in its own raw, lyrical way.
