Based on the beloved novel by Craig Silvey, Runt is an effortlessly likeable Australian family venture that overcomes any of its cheesiness thanks to an ensemble committed to the cause of providing old-fashioned entertainment
There’s some topical themes at bay here under the surface – drought-stricken farmers, real estate corruption – but Silvey’s script never adheres to anything overtly heavy-handed, with director John Sheedy (H Is For Happiness) maintaining a sense of familial appropriateness as those respective narrative ingredients provide audience-friendly conflict for the film’s spirited lead, Lily LaTorre as the determined Annie.
In the fictitious rural town of Upson Downs, Annie’s family are doing it tough. Her parents, Bryan and Susie (Jai Courtney and Celeste Barber, both enjoyable) are struggling to get by, with dad’s botany expertise unable to be utilised due to his own ego, and mum’s enthusiasm for cooking marred by the fact that she’s truly no good. So that their property isn’t snapped up by the villainous Earl Robert-Barren (Jack Thompson), Annie believes she’s her family saviour. Well, she and her adopted stray dog, Runt.
At her town’s local fair, Annie learns of an obstacle course for dogs and their owners, and if it’s completed in a record amount of time, a hefty cash prize is to be claimed. And wouldn’t you know it? The prize money is exactly what Annie’s family needs. This would all be a well and exercised plan if there weren’t two particular hurdles to overcome. One, her main competition is that of Fergus Fink (Matt Day), an arrogant champion in the field who’s yet to lose. And two, little Runt has stage fright and can only complete the course if no one else is watching.
If you’ve read the book, or just know the layout of these types of films, the ending is telegraphed and we’re all too aware how things will end up. But that being said, the journey to the safe destination is amusing in itself, with LaTorre quite adorably leading the charge, Courtney and Barber providing ample support, and the always warm Deborah Mailman adding her unique sense of gravitas to proceedings, her character providing the young Annie with the words of wisdom she needs to hear.
Aside from animated titles, it seems like films aimed squarely at the entire family market are becoming less and less of a feature across cineplexes as of late, so something like Runt, in addition to being another Australian production earning a welcome theatrical release, is all the more special for the fact that it successfully executes its audience objective. A comfortable, cordial comedy, Runt proves no stray.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Runt is screening in Queensland theatres from September 12th, 2024, and from September 19th in all other major territories.
