MOON ROCK FOR MONDAY

Australia, 2020, 100 minutes, Colour.

Ashlyn Louden-Gamble, George Pullar, Aaron Jeffrey, Alan Field, Nicholas Hope, Clarence Ryan, Alan Dukes.

Directed by Kurt Martin.

Moon Rock for Monday is a surprising film, much of it very nice, but with some tougher underlying themes. It is an Australian production, with a very talented little girl, Ashlyn Louden-Gamble, as Monday, not well, homeschooled by her devoted father who has given up his university professorship to be with her after her mother’s death (Aaron Jeffrey).

We are also introduced to Tyler (George Pullar), a young man grieving his mother’s death, linked up with some thugs, some friends who are drug dependent. We see him robbing a jewellery shop and shooting at a policeman. He disguises himself goes on the run.

So, how will these two stories come together? In fact, on a railway station, he waiting for a train, Monday’s father going to get some ice cream and she wandering onto the train with the friendly Tyler.

So, on the one hand, there is the father, his concern, his going to the police, finding that the officer he contacts is actually the brother of the dead policeman. He then goes on a searching trek to find his daughter.

In the meantime, Monday travels quite happy with Tyler, with her pet rabbit, and a belief that if they go to the desert, they will find some moon rock which, she believes, will help her with her health.

Actually, along the way, there are quite some enjoyable moments between the two, a nice friendliness, Tyler concerned about her medication and doing his best to find some, Monday getting a sense of freedom, enjoying the travel, enjoying the sights. They meet an eccentric aboriginal who does an enjoyable turn, Clarence Ryan. They go to Coober Pedy, and find an eccentric old man who lends them his van, Nicholas Hope. But, there are also some troubles, Tyler stealing cars, running out of petrol, breaking down, their having to walk, encountering people in a van, Tyler attacking the driver and taking the van.

Ultimately, the father will find his daughter, Tyler will have to face the truth, but Monday will have something of a new lease of life, freer in her illness, her father allowing her to go to school and meet with people.

There is a sad note at the end – perhaps inevitable with Monday’s health.

A different Australian entertainment.

1. A genial film, for a younger audience, for adults?
2. The Sydney settings, home, the streets, railway station? The scenes of the journey, through the mountains, country towns, into the desert, Coober Pedy? Atmosphere? Australian feel? Musical score?
3. The title, Monday and her father, the death of her mother, Monday’s illness, limitations, homeschooling, her age, encouragement from her father, imagination, moon rock and healing?
4. Bob, widower, the death of his wife, the issue of replacing? The image of the toys to be replaced? Monday not to be replaced? Giving up his academic job, caring for his daughter, homeschooling, protective, over-protective?
5. The introduction to Tyler, his story, his mother’s ring, the shop, his friends, crime, drugs, the robbery, the gun, the police, shooting the policeman, the policeman’s death? On the run?
6. Monday and her father at the station, waiting for the train, Tyler, the encounter, friendly gestures, his inviting her to get on the train with him? Her willingly going, her father concerned, people saying she went willingly? His fear of abduction? Especially learning about Tyler?
7. Bob, the meeting with the police, the chief and the death of his brother, interactions, his decision to search for Monday, the drive, the crash, the difficulties, the police?
8. Monday, the effect of the journey, some independence, friendship with Tyler? The decision to go to Uluru, moon rock, hopes of healing? Tyler and his character, his friendship with the drug addict, on the run?
9. The various adventures along the way, meeting the aboriginal and his clowning? Coober Pedy and the Bobbin and the money for the vehicle? The campervan, the confrontation, taking the campervan? The breakdowns, walking, the effect on each of them? The issue of Monday’s illness, Tyler learning about it, the medication, going to the pharmacy, getting the tablets? Urging Monday?
10. The father’s pursuit, the role of the police and investigations?
11. The final confrontation, Tyler, protecting Monday? His future?
12. Monday, her father, health, education, the fact that she could go out, her going to school?
13. The final information about her death – but this glimpse of an exciting and happy life?