Top End Wedding

In 1976, Daffy Ford flees an arranged marriage on the Tiwi Islands. She escapes by stealing a speedboat and vanishing into the sea. The bold escape sets a lifetime of distance between Daffy and her homeland.

Back in the present, Lauren is a rising lawyer in Adelaide whose boyfriend Ned has proposed marriage. Ned quits his job without telling her, prompting a plan for a fast wedding back in Lauren's hometown, Darwin. Their boss, Ms. Hampton, grants 10 days off to cover the wedding and honeymoon, speeding the timetable.

Upon arriving in Darwin, Lauren learns that her mother has abandoned her father and disappeared. The revelation sparks a frantic search and a renewed need for Daffy’s presence at the wedding. Lauren resolves to find her mother before the ceremony.

Lauren and Ned undertake a road trip to trace Daffy's steps and bring her back for the wedding. They follow clues across the landscape while Ms. Hampton coordinates plans from afar. The journey tests their communication and trust as they confront their own priorities.

The couple repeatedly miss Daffy by hair’s breadth as they chase the trail. Along the way, Lauren confronts her own ignorance of Tiwi language and heritage, confessing her embarrassment at not knowing her roots. An aunt helps reveal that Daffy has returned toward the Tiwi Islands.

On the road, Lauren discovers Ned has quit his job without telling her, triggering a heated argument. She decides to cancel the wedding and continues toward the Tiwi Islands alone, determined to reconnect with her mother. The setback reframes their commitment and forces a reassessment.

Lauren finally meets her extended Tiwi family, who welcome her with warmth. She finds her mother near a church, witnessing a reconciliation with her grandparents. The reunion gives Lauren a sense of belonging she has long sought.

Daffy tells Lauren she never regretted her marriage, only the estrangement from family. She speaks of Ned as a good man and encourages Lauren to embrace the union. Their conversation helps shift Lauren’s doubts about the wedding.

Lauren informs Daffy about her engagement and the plan to marry. Daffy offers support and encouragement, stressing that true happiness lies with family. At the airport, Ms. Hampton steps in and ensures Ned finally answers her call, paving the way for the ceremony.

Ned persuades Ms. Hampton to take a day off and join the wedding, recognizing her steadfast support of Lauren and Trevor. Her presence adds professional credibility and personal warmth to the preparations. The team finally unites around the decision to wed on the Tiwi Islands.

Ned rushes back to Trevor's house to urge him to attend the wedding, determined to bring the family together. Trevor, still fragile, accepts the invitation and makes an effort to join the celebration. The moment highlights the film's themes of forgiveness and connection.

Speedboat trips to the Tiwi Islands bring the couple to the ceremony in front of family and friends. Lauren and Ned marry as the island winds carry a sense of reconciliation. Trevor and Daffy share a heartfelt reconciliation, closing the circle of healing.