Buckley's Chance

Buckley's Chance is a 2021 Australian family drama film directed by Tim Brown and written by Dene Cooper. The film stars Bill Nighy, Martin Sacks, and Victoria Hill.

The story follows Ridley, a ten-year-old boy who travels to Australia from London with his mother, Samantha, after the death of his father. Ridley is grieving and misses his father terribly. His mother's new boyfriend, Jeff, wants to bond with Ridley and takes him on a camping trip to Ayers Rocks. During the trip, Ridley runs away and finds himself lost in the outback, where he meets a wild dog named Buckley.

Despite being wary of the dog at first, Ridley soon realizes that Buckley can help him survive in the harsh Australian landscape. Together, they go on a journey of self-discovery, as Ridley learns about the Australian way of life and how to adjust to his new surroundings.

Meanwhile, Ridley's mother and Jeff frantically search for him, but it's the boy's grandfather, Harvey, who comes to the rescue. Harvey is an old-fashioned man who feels responsible for his son's death and wants to make things right with Ridley. Harvey is played by Bill Nighy, who delivers a moving performance as a man who has lost a son and wants to reconnect with his grandson.

The film deals with themes of family, grief, and cultural differences in a sensitive and touching way. Ridley's journey is a metaphor for coming-of-age, as he learns to cope with loss and find his place in the world. Buckley's Chance also explores the relationship between humans and animals, as Ridley and Buckley develop a bond that is both heartwarming and authentic.

The film was shot on location in the Australian outback, and the scenery is breathtaking. The cinematography captures the beauty and harshness of the landscape, making it a character in its own right. The music is also noteworthy, adding to the emotional impact of the film.

The performances are uniformly excellent. Martin Sacks is convincing as the well-meaning but flawed Jeff, while Victoria Hill is sympathetic as the grieving mother. However, it is Bill Nighy who steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of Harvey. Nighy's scenes with Ridley are particularly moving, as he tries to connect with his grandson in the only way he knows how.

In conclusion, Buckley's Chance is a touching and well-crafted film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It deals with complex themes in a straightforward way, and the performances and cinematography are outstanding. The film reminds us of the importance of family, the power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a film that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema.