What would you do, an outback setting where there's few, not more than a brooding mare, only good for child care, have to take it on the chin, turn a cheek, you just can't win, no escape, there's no way out, just prepare for the next clout.

Leah Purcell leaves us under no illusion, with an outstanding performance, as to the challenges faced by women in the lost and lonely landscapes of 19th century Australia where abuse, torment and oppression are commonplace, and where racism and prejudice prevail - I'd like to say we've come a long way since, but you can make your own mind up about that and the reasons for it, so if this film does nothing other than get you thinking, then it's 90 minutes well spent.

Thanks to the Director-Screenplay-Producer-Lead Actor and what-not Leah Purcell for bringing a woman's point of view during Australia's early brutal years when women rights were overlooked and racism ruled. Cinematography, music and acting are outstanding.

Recommended.

The film is an Australian western that takes place in the 19th century. It deals mainly with the topic of spousal abuse, battered women. It seems the intent of the film is to raise awareness of domestic violence. The film also covers racism through a fugitive aboriginal running from the law.

Unfortunately, I thought the film was too slow. This is my opinion, and you may not feel the same. Also, I wasn't impressed with the scenes between Molly Johnson and Yadaka. I just didn't feel chemistry between these two actors. I didn't like the editing in the scene with Molly and John MaPharlen. It was too choppy. It felt almost as though someone else beside the main editor did that scene.

I also thought the ending, while meant to be dramatic, was undermined by the three women who appeared at Molly Johnson's execution wearing clothing with statements about domestic violence. I don't mean to sound unsympathetic to the thematics of the film, but I thought it was a distraction from what could have been a more powerful ending without it. The film for the most part is subtle with its theme, but then hits you over the head with the three women and their dresses which doesn't match the subtlety of the rest of the film. It just came off as political feminist theatrics in where the focus should have been Molly's final moments.

The cinematography and stills time lapse photography was pretty nice. The soundtrack by Salliana Seven Campbell was also pretty good.