So in a bid to prove himself during a live weather forcast he takes the opportunity to prove himself. Unfortunately this backfires and the resulting incident goes viral. This results in him being fired. Now down on his luck and jobless, Chris accepts a lower paid job offer in Broome, Western Australia.

On his long journey driving through the Australian outback he momentarily loses concentration and collides with a kangaroo. Composing himself he goes to investigate and sees the kangaroo is severely injured, but is carrying a baby kangaroo (a joey). He saves the joey and heads to a nearby town leaving his damaged car behind.

Unbeknownst to him the accident was seen by a local girl Charlie played by Lily Whiteley. She has a love of kangaroos and unique connection with them. Often spending time and energy on them to the expense of her human relationships.

In town Chris learns there’s no local animal sanctuary and in cornered by Charlie and told that it’s local custom to look after the joey as he’s killed the mother. At the same time he’s told that his car will take a week to repair.

He then takes up residence in a local shack waiting for his car to be repaired and begins to mother the joey.

Here begins a special almost father daughter relationship between Chris and Charlie and their love of kangaroos.

Although the film is called Kangaroo a more apt title would have been Joeys. Kangaroo is a heartfelt tale of redemption, belonging, community and friendship. That is not to over simplify it.

This is a family film in the truest sense. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Evoking an optimistic feeling much needed in these times. Kangaroo is part escapist fun and feels partly like a promotion for the Australian tourist authorities with it’s scenic landscape shots and shots of local wildlife.

Kangaroo is feel good entertainment earning a worthy 3 and half stars out of 5.