THE DROVER’S WIFE
THE LEGEND OF MOLLY JOHNSON
by Leah Purcell
Synopsis: In 1893, heavily pregnant Molly Johnson and her children struggle in isolation to survive the harsh Australian landscape after her husband left to go droving sheep in the high country. One day, she finds a shackled Aboriginal fugitive named Yadaka wounded on her property. As an unlikely bond begins to form between them he reveals secrets about her true identity.
Realizing Molly’s husband is actually missing, new town lawman Nate Clintoff starts being suspicious and sends his constable to investigate. The deadly encounters between Molly, the constable and Yadaka results in a tragic chain of events with Molly becoming a symbol of feminism and anti-racism.
Cast: Leah Purcell, Sam Reid, Rob Collins, Jessica De Gouw.
2021 / Drama / Australia / 95 min / English / Completed
Produced by Oombarra Productions and Bunya Productions (Sweet Country)
By the producers of Sweet Country (Venice Special Jury Prize, TIFF Platform - Best Film)
“An impassioned film with an unflinching Indigenous and feminist perspective”
— Screen Daily
“Purcell is stone-cold fantastic throughout the film”
— Flixist
“Purcell and the charismatic Collins give the standout performances… the director throws herself into the central role with fiery conviction and a countenance as brooding as the blanketing skies overhead”
— The Hollywood Reporter
