[Review] Tracks

Based on a true event, Tracks tells the impressive tale of Robyn Davidson, a young woman who leaves her city life behind and embarks on a nine-month trek across the Australian desert. It's quite a story, but from a cinematic sense, it's a remarkably dull and tiresome viewing.

Mia Wasikowska plays Robyn. She's a wayward soul, sick of being stuck in one spot. It takes a while before she actually sets out on her solo mission. But she's not completely alone, as she brings her dog and a group of camels. Rick (Adam Driver), a photographer, pops in and out on wheels in order to document Robyn's journey. And, predictably, a love story forms. A dry one.

The scenery is nice, and there are some great crane shots of the textural terrain, but pretty soon I started hoping for mirages of a compelling film. Mia Wasikowska is solid, but she doesn't have that much to do aside from walking forward and looking parched. Danger and stakes don't really enter the equation, so it never feels like a straight-on survival story. And the narrative only skims the motivations and dimensions of the character, so the soul-searching barely comes to fruition.

You'll be glad when this journey is over.

4.5/10