Last Cab to Darwin

Rex, a seventy-something taxi driver, has spent the majority of his life in the quaint city of Broken Hill, New South Wales. Despite having a circle of friends, he has never established a family of his own and sadly has no remaining relatives. A profound bond exists between him and his Aboriginal neighbor Polly, yet due to the lingering racial tensions, Rex hesitates to pursue a romantic relationship with her. This delicate balance of his life is disrupted when he receives a terminal diagnosis, revealing that cancer will take him within three months.

Determined to avoid a hospital commitment, Rex learns about a groundbreaking euthanasia device developed by Dr. Nicole Farmer in Darwin, the capital of Northern Territory. Motivated by the desire to control his departure from life, he volunteers to be the first patient for this device, embarking on a remarkable 3,000-kilometer journey to ensure his final moments are on his own terms. Before leaving, he prepares a will that bequeaths his home to Polly.

As Rex travels to Darwin, he is joined by Tilly, an Aboriginal drifter. Tilly shares with Rex his past decision to decline an invitation from a football club, a choice he admits was rooted in fear. The duo later meets Julie, an English backpacker and nurse, who becomes part of their venture. Upon their arrival in Darwin, they discover from Dr. Farmer that the euthanasia process cannot proceed without the approval from both a psychological and medical expert. During the waiting period for his assessments, Rex finds a renewed sense of purpose, encouraging Tilly to join the football club instead of letting fear hold him back. In a heartfelt moment, he reaches out to Polly, expressing regret over his choice to end his life and revealing his wish to propose to her. Joyfully, she responds that she would have accepted.

However, complications arise when Rex’s scheduled interview with a medical professional is postponed, leading to an unexpected hospitalization—a scenario he felt he’d circumvented. As the urgency mounts, Rex persuades Julie to connect him to the euthanasia device, answering the essential questions to commence the process. But, imbued with new resolve, he ultimately disconnects himself from the machine, realizing he does not wish to conclude his story just yet. He then takes the long drive back to Broken Hill, bolstered by medication Julie has provided.

Upon arriving home, Rex is greeted by an emotional sight—Polly awaits him on his front porch. As they hold hands, Rex, overwhelmed and exhausted, surrenders to unconsciousness while the sun sets in a breathtaking display, marking a poignant end to his journey.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 05:52