‘Wolfram’ Review: Warwick Thornton Deftly Reframes Painful Indigenous Australian Experience Through the Lens of Classic Western Archetypes

Hollywood Reporter

by David Rooney

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

‘Wolfram,’ directed by Warwick Thornton, reframes the painful Indigenous Australian experience through a lens inspired by classic Western archetypes. Set in the 1930s colonial frontier of Northern Territory, the film serves as a loose sequel to Thornton’s 2017 drama *Sweet Country*. While it shares thematic roots with its predecessor, focusing on family and community, *Wolfram* introduces new characters and storylines, creating a sense of continuity while diverging from the earlier film’s narrative. Deborah Mailman stars as Pansy, a woman searching for her lost children, setting off on a harrowing journey marked by resilience and survival. The film also explores themes of exploitation and injustice through the lens of Indigenous child laborers and the ruthless actions of外来 prospectors. The plot unfolds across multiple threads, including Pansy’s quest with her partner Zhang to Queensland, the abduction of Max by criminals Casey and Frank, and the strained dynamics between Kennedy and his mixed-race son Philomac on a remote cattle station. These interconnected narratives collide in a tense chase thriller, driven by violence and moral ambiguity. Thornton’s direction captures the stark beauty of Central Australia, infusing the film with a sense of place and emotional depth. While *Wolfram* occasionally falters due to pacing issues and overly brutal scenes, its exploration of endurance and healing resonates powerfully. The film’s strength lies in its ability to evoke the lawlessness of the era, particularly through its portrayal of Casey and Frank’s descent into ruthlessness. Thornton skillfully balances horror with moments of subtle humanity, as seen in Philomac’s growing resistance against injustice. Mailman delivers a standout performance as Pansy, embodying the quiet strength and determination of a mother searching for her children. The film’s technical aspects, from its cinematography to its score, further enhance its immersive storytelling. For audiences interested in thought-provoking cinema, *Wolfram* offers a rich, character-driven narrative that delves into colonial frontier life. While

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026