The Traveller is the sort of movie that will take you on an emotional ride. The plot revolves around Stephen Seary (played by Luke Bracey), a successful opera stage designer who lives in Europe. He returns to his hometown in Western Australia when he learns that his mother is dying. What started as a brief visit soon turns into a confrontation of unresolved family issues and the hard-hitting reality of aging parents. Though Stephen wished to return to his workplace, the same was becoming difficult due to his obligations as the son of the family. Stephen’s agile and aging father, Fred, plays a big role here. The ultimate question is: what will Stephen choose? His family or his work? Will the issues get resolved?
There are many strengths of “The Travellers”. Firstly, the plot has been created well. It mirrors what many people in today’s generation go through. There is a pressure of work, and then there is a pressure to take care of the family. In between, what will one choose? This dilemma is shown well throughout the run time of the plot. It makes you think, and it also relates to the character of Stephen Seary.
Secondly, the performance is what keeps the movie seamless. For example, Stephen Seary, played by Luke Bracey, comes across a man who wishes to stay back home but also has obligations to the outside world, which also has to be catered to. That conflict of emotions has been well displayed by him. Another masterstroke in performance comes from Bryan Brown, who plays Fred. As a stubborn father whose health is also failing, the character has been so well acted that at one point, you will forget where the acting ends and the real person starts. Additionally, Susie Porter as Stephen’s sister Nikki, the sister who has remained closer to home and shouldered much of her aging parents' responsibility, has also been displayed maturely.
When the film finishes, you can’t help but think of the character development that has taken place throughout the run time. The characters begin as something, and towards the end, they become something else. For example, Stephen Seary started as a person who visited home as an obligation. Soon enough, he realizes how much things have changed since he left, and the need for him to mold himself, too. That development also forms a core part of the plot that makes you want to watch it again.
The pacing of “The Travellers” is slightly sluggish. But that isn’t an issue since the plot is the one that requires it to slow down for us to process the feelings. At some scenes, this can create a problem, but most of the time, you won’t even come to know or notice the pacing.
This isn’t the kind of movie that you can just sit and watch. It is the kind that requires you to understand what each character is undergoing. Only when you do so will the plot make sense to you. And this is the very reason why you should attempt watching “The Travellers”.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times