Wake in Fright (1971)

John Grant is introduced as a weary middle-class schoolteacher who feels trapped by a financial bond he signed with the government. This bond requires him to serve a two-year teaching post in the remote township of Tiboonda, leading him to feel disillusioned about his career and life choices.

With the Christmas holidays approaching, John plans a trip to Sydney to reunite with his girlfriend Robyn. Before he can reach his destination, he must first travel to Bundanyabba, a nearby mining town, to catch his flight.

Upon arriving in Bundanyabba, affectionately known as 'The Yabba', John visits a local pub where he has a chance meeting with Jock Crawford, a friendly policeman. They share multiple drinks, and Jock introduces John to the local culture, immersing him in the town's vibrant yet gritty atmosphere.

John is introduced to the underground game of two-up by Jock, where he initially finds success and excitement. However, his desperation to win enough money to clear his bond leads him to make reckless bets, ultimately losing all of his savings.

John befriends Tim Hynes, a local miner, and is invited to his home where he meets Tim's daughter Janette and other miners. They indulge in a wild day of heavy drinking, during which Janette makes an unwelcome advance at John, leaving him repulsed and nauseous.

Seeking solace, John visits Doc's secluded shack, where he receives care for his hangover. Doc, an alcoholic ex-doctor, shares his life story and unconventional relationship with Janette, challenging John's views on both life and his circumstances.

In a night filled with intoxication, John and Doc team up with local miners for a chaotic kangaroo hunt. Amidst the mayhem, which includes drunken antics and unexpected violence, John grapples with his moral compass and the disturbing nature of their actions.

After the hunting chaos, John finds himself increasingly lonely and regretful about his reckless behavior. He returns to town, where Jock helps him retrieve his suitcases, leading John to discard his old academic life represented by a book on Plato.

Despite his efforts to escape, John ironically finds himself back in The Yabba instead of heading to Sydney. This twist highlights his desperation and the futility of his attempts to change his circumstances.

Feeling betrayed by his own choices and Doc's lifestyle, John contemplates revenge but instead succumbs to despair. He attempts suicide with a rifle, but Doc arrives just in time to prevent the tragic outcome.

After his failed suicide attempt, John is hospitalized where he struggles with the consequences of his actions. To avoid further complications, he signs a statement claiming the incident was an accident, while reflecting on his life decisions.

Weeks later, as John recovers, Doc takes him to the railway station, marking a silent reconciliation between the two. This moment represents a turning point for John, as he begins to embrace the complexities of life in the outback.

Transformed by his experiences, John returns to Tiboonda ready to face the challenges of the upcoming school year. He possesses a newfound understanding of himself and the eccentricities of the outback community, prepared for whatever lies ahead.