Based on the non-fiction book by Robyn Davidson, Tracks follows her journey as she (played by Mia Wasikowska) sets out to walk across the 1,700 mile stretch of West Australian deserts to the Indian ocean, with only a few camels and her faithful dog to keep her company for the most part, along with the occasional pop-up visit from a magazine photographer (Adam Driver).
This is an inspiring and often very powerful look at human survival and determination and looks at both the pros and cons of taking what is, some might say, a selfish but nonetheless self-empowering approach of trying to go it alone, whether it be in an arduous physical endeavour such as this or generally in life.
Shot with admirable ambition by director John Curran – who previously made the likes of romantic drama The Painted Veil and drama thriller Stone – this is a consistently stunning film to look at it. The brilliant and horrific landscape acts like a character in and of itself, presenting that most natural of contradictions in that it looks beautiful but is harsh and unforgiving when trying to navigate it. You always feel like you’re simply watching this woman’s journey unfold and never that it’s some caricaturish display; little details like the sunburn and chapped lips as well as the director and cinematographer Mandy Walker’s skilful conveyance of the heat shuddering off the sand as it envelopes the journey make this as cinematically authentic as you could possible get.
The whole thing is anchored by a terrific performance from Wasikowska, who has continued to prove herself as a diverse actress not scared to take on off-kilter, unshowy roles. It’s always tricky when an actor takes on the role of a real life person as it can sometimes come across as them doing an imitation. But here she inhabits the role in a subtle and believable way, unflashy and sympathetic while still being completely committed in how she’s able to hold the viewer’s attention throughout.
Occasionally the film slips into unnecessary sentiment, such as it when it flashes back to Robyn’s childhood which put a finer point on some of the emotions she is going through than is needed. That being said, this is as much as journey of emotion, self-discovery and psychological survival as it is one of physical endurance. And the film finds a way for us to get inside Robyn’s story and feel like we’re right along with her, willing her on, rather than a passive observer documenting it.
Speaking of which, we have little breaks in the expedition in the form of a photojournalist from National Geographic magazine, the ones sponsoring Robyn’s trip. Adam Driver, still best known for his excellent work in HBO’s Girls, plays somewhat against type as the earnest, eager photographer trying his best to connect with and help Robyn on her way to success but who keeps getting shut out because she has become disinterested in allowing others to be her crutch. The two form an odd but nevertheless believable little relationship that helps us to connect with this amazing story even more.
However, it’s ultimately a one-woman show and Wasikowska carries the film effortlessly. What could have been a dry and monotonous tale, one that was derivative of other self-determination adventure stories like Into the Wild and 127 Hours, is actually one of equal beauty and power with a graceful identity all of its own. This is an inspirational, rousing watch that makes you feel every step of its gruelling journey.
Tracks is released in UK cinemas on April 25th.