Swinging Safari

Swinging Safari

Year: 2019

Runtime: 97 min

Director: Stephan Elliott

DramaComedy

In 1970s Australia, the unexpected arrival of a massive blue whale carcass on a quiet shoreline dramatically alters the lives of the local residents. As the community grapples with the bizarre event, the decade's characteristic indulgences—including flamboyant fashion and readily available alcohol—begin to take their toll. Behind closed doors, adults explore newfound freedoms, while the decaying whale serves as a stark symbol of the era's excesses and the fragility of everyday life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Swinging Safari (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Swinging Safari (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

The 1970s was a transformative decade marked by shifting social norms and a burgeoning sexual revolution. This period saw the rise of new cultural attitudes, particularly in Australia, where familial and societal dynamics began to change. The landscape of childhood experiences was also evolving, characterized by new freedoms and the emergence of a more open dialogue surrounding topics such as sex and personal identity.

Location

Wyong Place, Wallaroo, South Australia, Nobbys Beach

Wyong Place is a nostalgic beach-side neighborhood in Wallaroo, South Australia, known for its tight-knit community and vibrant weekend gatherings. The area buzzes with the laughter and antics of children, particularly during memorable events like Cracker Night. Nobbys Beach serves as a significant backdrop for childhood adventures and poignant moments, encapsulating the carefree spirit of the 1970s.

🏖️ Beach 🏡 Neighborhood 🇦🇺 Australia

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Main Characters – Swinging Safari (2019)

Meet the key characters of Swinging Safari (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Marsh

A young filmmaker whose childhood experiences shape his artistic vision. Jeff is introspective and thoughtful, often caught between the innocence of youth and the complexities of adult relationships. He grapples with the mixed emotions stemming from his family dynamics and the chaos surrounding him.

🎥 Filmmaker 🤔 Thoughtful 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Child

Melly Jones

Melly is a sensitive and emotionally scarred character who shares a deep bond with Jeff. Both are marked by past traumas, and Melly’s struggles with mental health are central to her storyline. Her journey reflects the impact of parental neglect and societal pressures during adolescence.

💔 Emotional 🧠 Anxiety 👧 Childhood

Gale Marsh

The matriarch of the Marsh family, Gale is determined yet overlooks the needs of her children in pursuit of her social life. Her character embodies the challenges faced by mothers in balancing personal desires and family responsibilities, often leading to neglect.

👩‍👦 Mother 🙈 Neglectful 🎉 Socialite

Keith Hall

Keith is a father figure struggling with his own inadequacies, often unable to connect with his children. His character represents a generation caught between traditional values and the evolving landscape of family life during the sexual revolution.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Father ⚖️ Conflict 💔 Inadequate

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Major Themes – Swinging Safari (2019)

Explore the central themes of Swinging Safari (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎨 Nostalgia

Nostalgia permeates the film as the protagonist reflects on his formative years in a lively community. The recollections are rich with warmth and innocence, contrasting with the complexities of adult relationships. This theme highlights how childhood memories shape individuals and their understanding of family dynamics over time.

💔 Parental Neglect

The film underscores the theme of parental neglect amidst the chaos of adult lives, showcasing the emotional and physical repercussions on children. As the adults grapple with their own dilemmas, the children are left to navigate their own struggles. This neglect fosters a sense of rebellion among the youth, reflecting the disconnect between generations.

🐋 Nature's Impact

Nature plays a significant role in the narrative, particularly embodied by the whale, Chips, which serves as a powerful symbol of loss and trauma. The presence of the beached whale echoes the emotional decay within the families, reflecting how external circumstances can influence internal conflicts and relationships.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Unlock the Full Story of Swinging Safari

Don't stop at just watching — explore Swinging Safari in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Swinging Safari is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Swinging Safari Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Swinging Safari, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Swinging Safari Summary

Swinging Safari Timeline

Track the full timeline of Swinging Safari with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Swinging Safari Timeline

More About Swinging Safari

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Swinging Safari: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Swinging Safari

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