Last Cab to Darwin (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Rex learns about a groundbreaking euthanasia device developed by Dr. Nicole Farmer in Darwin. Despite having friends and a meaningful connection with Polly in Broken Hill, Rex chooses Darwin because he wants control over his death. The device represents an opportunity to choose the exact moment of his passing, which he cannot do in a hospital setting where he fears he would be kept alive against his wishes.

• euthanasia device
• dr nicole farmer
• darwin
• terminal illness
• control death

Rex bequeaths his home to Polly because she is the most significant person in his life, despite the racial tensions that have prevented them from pursuing a romantic relationship. This act represents his way of leaving something meaningful behind and acknowledging the deep bond they share, even though he never explicitly acted on his feelings for her.

• polly
• will
• house
• inheritance
• aboriginal relationship

Tilly reveals to Rex that he declined an invitation from a football club in the past, and he admits this choice was rooted in fear. He allowed fear to control his decision, preventing him from pursuing what could have been a significant opportunity in his life.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in their journey, Tilly's confession about his fear sets up Rex's later encouragement for him to overcome this same fear.

• tilly
• football club
• fear
• opportunity
• past decision

During the waiting period in Darwin for his assessments, Rex experiences a renewed sense of purpose and begins to reconnect with life. This shift leads him to counsel Tilly to pursue his dreams rather than let fear hold him back, even as Rex himself is navigating his own end-of-life journey. His encouragement reflects his emerging realization that life is worth living.

Foreshadowing: Tilly's earlier confession about rejecting the football club invitation due to fear creates the context for this moment of encouragement.

• tilly
• football club
• encouragement
• fear
• life affirmation

While waiting in Darwin for his psychological and medical assessments, Rex experiences a profound emotional shift and rediscovers his desire to live. In a heartfelt moment, he reaches out to Polly to express regret about his choice to pursue euthanasia and reveals he wished to propose to her. This call represents his change of heart and renewed hope for connection.

• polly
• phone call
• regret
• proposal
• emotional moment

After persuading Julie to connect him to the euthanasia device and beginning to answer the required questions, Rex experiences a profound moment of clarity. He realizes he does not wish to conclude his story yet and chooses to disconnect from the machine. This act symbolizes his newfound determination to embrace life rather than end it.

Foreshadowing: Rex's earlier phone call to Polly expressing regret about his decision foreshadows his change of heart.

• euthanasia device
• disconnect
• change of heart
• life choice
• julie

After disconnecting from the euthanasia device, Rex decides to return to Broken Hill because he has regained his will to live. The journey has helped him rediscover the value of human connection and the importance of relationships. He makes the long drive back with medication from Julie that helps manage his pain, choosing to spend whatever time he has left among people who matter to him.

• broken hill
• return journey
• julie medication
• life choice
• homecoming

Rex's scheduled interview with the medical professional is postponed, creating a delay in the euthanasia process. During this waiting period, Rex's condition deteriorates and he is unexpectedly hospitalized, forcing him to face the very medical system he sought to avoid. This turn of events heightens his urgency to take control of his fate.

• hospitalization
• darwin
• medical assessment
• postponement
• health decline

Julie, an English backpacker and nurse who joins Rex and Tilly on their journey, agrees to help connect Rex to the euthanasia device. Despite her medical background, she respects Rex's autonomy and his right to make decisions about his own body. Her willingness to help stems from empathy and understanding of his desire to control his final moments.

• julie
• nurse
• euthanasia device
• help
• autonomy

Rex and Tilly form an unlikely friendship as they travel together from Broken Hill to Darwin. Their bond develops through sharing stories about their past decisions and fears. This friendship becomes meaningful to both men: Tilly gains a mentor who encourages him to overcome his fears, while Rex finds companionship and purpose during his final journey, ultimately helping him rediscover his will to live.

• tilly
• friendship
• road trip
• companionship
• mentorship

Upon returning to Broken Hill, Rex is greeted by Polly waiting on his front porch. They hold hands as the sun sets in a breathtaking display. Overwhelmed and exhausted from both his journey and his illness, Rex surrenders to unconsciousness and passes away peacefully. While he chose life over euthanasia, his body ultimately succumbs to cancer, achieving a bittersweet resolution with the person he loves most.

• rex death
• broken hill
• polly
• sunset
• peaceful ending