Watch The Inland Road

The Inland Road is a gripping drama that takes on some heavy themes, including grief, trauma, and redemption. It follows the journey of a troubled and isolated teenage girl named Tia, who is struggling to cope with the recent death of her mother. As the film begins, we see Tia being taken in by her aunt and uncle, who live on a remote farm in the New Zealand countryside.

Despite her aunt's attempts to reach out to her, Tia remains distant and more interested in getting into trouble than anything else. She spends most of her days holed up in her room, avoiding her cousin and uncle and turning to drugs and alcohol to numb her pain.

One fateful day, Tia decides to run away from home after an argument with her aunt. She hitchhikes her way to a nearby town, where she meets a young man named Will, who takes her under his wing. After a few run-ins with the law, the pair decides to hit the road together and embark on a journey that will challenge them both in unexpected ways.

As Tia and Will travel across the country, they encounter a range of characters, from kindhearted strangers to violent criminals. Along the way, Tia begins to open up to Will and share the painful secrets of her past, including the sexual trauma she experienced as a child. Will, in turn, reveals his own troubled history and tries to help Tia navigate her pain and find a way to heal.

One of the most striking things about The Inland Road is its raw and honest portrayal of trauma and its long-lasting effects. Throughout the film, we see Tia grappling with the aftermath of her mother's death and the traumas she has experienced throughout her life. Rather than shying away from these difficult topics, the film dives deep into them, showing how they can impact a person's entire being.

The performances in The Inland Road are also top-notch, particularly those of David Elliot and Chelsie Florence, who play Will and Tia, respectively. Elliot brings a quiet intensity to his role, while Florence imbues Tia with a fierce vulnerability that makes us root for her even when she's at her lowest. Jodie Hillock, who plays Tia's aunt, also stands out for her portrayal of a woman struggling to connect with her grieving niece.

Overall, The Inland Road is a powerful and affecting film that tackles some heavy subject matter with sincerity and grace. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times, and a reminder that we all have the capacity for both great pain and great healing. Whether you're a fan of character-driven dramas, road movies, or simply great storytelling, this film is definitely worth a watch.

The Inland Road is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.