Tracks – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Tracks

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2013

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A woman, four camels, one dog, and 1,700 miles of Australian desert—basically the ultimate 'I need some space' story.

7.1/10

83%

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Tracks

movie

PG-13, 2013

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A woman, four camels, one dog, and 1,700 miles of Australian desert—basically the ultimate 'I need some space' story.

7.1

83%

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7.1/10

83%

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Screenwise Verdict

Tracks is the kind of movie that looks great on paper—true story, strong female protagonist, stunning visuals, meaningful themes about independence and self-discovery. And for the right kid (or parent), it genuinely delivers.

But let's be real: this is a slow-burn biographical drama about walking through a desert. For 111 minutes. Modern kids raised on Marvel pacing and TikTok cuts are going to struggle. It's contemplative, beautiful, and enriching... if you can get them to actually watch it.

The lack of ratings data is concerning—we can't confirm intensity levels of survival situations or whether there are unexpectedly heavy moments. Proceed with caution for sensitive viewers.

Best use case? Older teens interested in travel, adventure, or women's history. Or families who deliberately seek out 'slow cinema' and can appreciate a meditative pace. Everyone else might want to just read the Wikipedia summary of Robyn Davidson's incredible journey and call it a day.

Age Fit

Best for teens and tweens (12+) who can appreciate a slower, character-driven story and won't need explosions every ten minutes. Younger kids will find it boring; older teens might find it genuinely inspiring.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on the true story of Robyn Davidson's solo trek, this film models determination, self-reliance, and human-animal bonds. The journey is about personal growth rather than interpersonal conflict, and the pacing follows a contemplative desert trek rather than frenetic action. However, themes of isolation and the harsh realities of desert survival may be emotionally intense for younger viewers.

Imaginative

The film captures the vastness and beauty of the Australian desert, inviting viewers to imagine undertaking such an extraordinary journey. The biographical nature grounds it in reality but the sheer audacity of a solo 1,700-mile trek with camels sparks curiosity about adventure, geography, and human capability. Less about fantastical creativity, more about inspiring real-world exploration and questioning societal norms.

Safe

Without specific content ratings or detailed scene information, caution is warranted. Biography/adventure films of this nature typically include: harsh desert conditions, animal handling challenges, potential encounters with dangerous wildlife or situations, and themes of isolation that could be distressing. The PG-13 rating typical for such films suggests some intense sequences, possible brief language, and thematic elements that aren't suitable for young children. No indication of graphic violence, sexual content, or gore, but survival situations can be tense.

Enriching

This true story offers substantial enrichment: geography and ecology of Australian deserts, cultural encounters with Indigenous Australians, lessons about perseverance and self-determination, women's independence in the 1970s, and human-animal relationships. The biographical nature provides real-world inspiration and can spark discussions about courage, solitude, and finding oneself. Strong role model in Robyn Davidson who defied expectations.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

True story of extraordinary female determination and independence in the 1970s—solid role model material
Gorgeous cinematography of the Australian outback that'll make your family road trip look like a cakewalk
Teaches real geography, survival skills, and cultural awareness without feeling like a documentary
Shows that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to walk 1,700 miles away from everyone else
Human-animal bond with the camels and dog provides emotional anchoring in an otherwise solitary journey

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What to Watch For

This is a slow, contemplative film—if your kids need constant action, they'll be checking their phones within 20 minutes
Desert survival situations could include intense moments with wildlife, harsh conditions, or injury (we don't have specifics but it's a safe bet)
Themes of isolation and pushing physical limits may be heavy for sensitive kids
Likely some cultural encounters with Indigenous Australians that deserve follow-up conversations about respect and history

Conversation Starters

"Would you ever want to do something like this? What would be the hardest part for you?"
"Why do you think she needed to take this journey alone? What do people learn from being by themselves?"
"How do you think the camels were different from having a car? What would you bring on a trek like this?"
"She did this in the 1970s when fewer women did adventures like this—how do you think people reacted to her decision?"

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