Runt is an Australian family flick that takes cheesiness and corniness to a new level… but the cast are so damn likeable that they make it fly.  It’s set in the fictitious rural town of Upson Downs where farmers have been doing it tough given a lengthy drought.  A rich, villainous businessman (Thompson) has been using it to buy cheap land from financially-desperate owners and there’s one final property he has his eyes on – that owned by the likeable Shearer family.

The mum (Barber) and dad (Courtney) are struggling and so the unlikely hero in this tale is 11-year-old Annie Shearer (LaTorre) who enters her untrained dog, Runt, in a local obstacle course race and, in miraculously winning first prize, gets a shot at a national and then international title.  The prizemoney would be enough to save the farm but there’s two major “hurdles” to overcome – an arrogant jerk (Day) who has his own eyes on victory, and Runt’s “stage fright” when performing in front of crowds.

Runt is the creation of West Australian author Craig Silvey and it’s not his first adaptation for the big screen.  He helped translate his 2009 novel Jasper Jones into a 2017 movie directed by Rachel Perkins.  It too was a strong family drama (a slightly heavier tone) which ultimately earned six AACTA Award nominations including a nod for best picture.  Runt (the book) was first published in 2022 and after receiving acclaim, including a win for Book of the Year at the Indie Book Awards, the movie rights were quickly actioned.

Director John Sheedy (H is for Happiness) helms this production and, as touched on above, it’s the choice of actors he deserves most praise for.  Born and raised on the Gold Coast, youngster Lily LaTorre (Run Rabbit Run) is fantastic as the 11-year-old Annie.  Child actors tend to be a little wooden with their performances, but LaTorre comes across as a “natural” with her cheeky smile, relaxed nature, and wide emotional range.  Hopefully it’s the start of a long career.  The likes of Jai Courtney (Terminator Genisys) and Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires) add to the ensemble with their own likeable roles.  The dog is great too!

The two villains (Thompson, Day) are overdone but it’s a minor quibble for what is a fun, easy-to-watch Australian feature.  Take the kids have a good time.