Review published 10th June 2026
Watch the official trailer.
A Journey from Delhi to Australia Through Language and Culture
In the bustling city of Delhi, India, sits a prestigious school of linguistics dedicated to teaching the many languages and cultures that exist around the world. Amidst its diverse classrooms is one entirely focused on understanding the language, customs, and unique culture of Australia. Taking their studies beyond the classroom, the students are given the opportunity of a lifetime- a trip to Australia itself. There, they will experience the country’s iconic landmarks, colourful characters, and distinctive way of life firsthand. More importantly, the journey serves as the next stage in their education, allowing them to immerse themselves in Australian culture and continue mastering the language in the most authentic way possible.
A Journey Thrown Off Course: From Classroom Dreams to an Unexpected Australian Adventure
Excitement is high as the students, teachers and the school’s Dean, Devdan (Vikrant Narain) prepare for the educational adventure of a lifetime. However, those plans are quickly thrown into disarray when their flight is forced to make an emergency landing in the regional Australian town of Dubbo. To make matters worse, Dean Devdan becomes separated from the group after being detained by customs for further questioning. Despite the setback, the students and teachers press on with determination, embarking on a road trip across Australia without the Dean. Travelling by bus, the group soon discovers that learning about Australia in a classroom is very different to experiencing it firsthand. Along the way, they encounter colourful locals, unexpected challenges, and plenty of surprises, all while continuing their quest to better understand Australian language, culture, and customs. The question is, will they finally master the Australian way of life and enjoy the trip they dreamed of, or will their adventure be derailed by a series of misunderstandings, obstacles, and disappointments?
A Comedy Rooted in Stereotypes, Origins, and a Viral Web Series
How to Talk Australians: The Movie is, first and foremost, a comedy, although during several scenes I would easily classify it as a spoof film as well. The humour leans heavily into Australian stereotypes, cultural quirks, and misunderstandings, resulting in plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout. For those unaware, the film’s story originated as a web series, with episodes typically running for around five to six minutes each. The series quickly developed a loyal following and became a viral success. The good news for newcomers is that no prior knowledge of the web series is required, as this feature film stands comfortably on its own and serves as an accessible entry point into the franchise. Rob Hibbert co-wrote the film with Tony Rogers, who also directed and co-created the Australian comedy series Wilfred, later creating Bruce. For Rogers, How to Talk Australians: The Movie marks only the second feature film of his directing career, following the release of Rats and Cats in 2007.
A Fast Paced Australian Comedy Packed with Gags, Cameos, and Cultural Chaos
Having never seen the web series that this film is based on, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going in. Thankfully, the film gets off to a terrific start, and almost immediately I found myself chuckling at its many jokes and observations about Australian culture. Many of the gags are funny because they’re either surprisingly accurate or incredibly relatable, particularly for Australian audiences. The film establishes its premise and chaos very quickly. From there, it plays almost like a series of interconnected short stories, with our protagonists continually finding themselves caught up in mishaps, misunderstandings, disappointments, and unexpected hurdles during their time in Australia. Along the way, they encounter a wide range of colourful Australians, including police officers, customs officials, shop owners, and many other memorable characters. The film also delivers some enjoyable cameo appearances, including Shane Jacobson as a cleaner with a surprisingly effective method for dealing with Australia’s deadly spiders, and Madeleine Dyer as a Golden Fleece waitress who, much like many Australians, struggles to explain exactly what’s inside a Chiko Roll. Beyond these appearances, the film is packed with familiar Australian talent who are clearly having a great time embracing the absurdity, humour, and quirks of Australian culture. One of the film’s strengths is its abundance of references, observations, and quotable lines. Even after the screening, there were several moments and pieces of dialogue that remained stuck in my head. The result is a comedy that feels unique, distinctly Australian, and refreshingly different. If you’re looking for a film that delivers plenty of laughs and celebrates the strange and wonderful aspects of life Down Under, there’s certainly a lot here to enjoy.
A Faltering Final Act: Disjointed Resolution and Uneven Comedy
Where the film falters is in its sense of resolution. Much like the plane that is forced into an emergency landing in Dubbo, the story itself struggles to find a smooth or satisfying landing in its final act. The third act feels as though the film begins to lose cohesion, with scenes that come across as disjointed and character arcs that conclude in ways that feel somewhat vague or underwhelming. As a result, the overall journey of the students from the Delhi College of Linguistics doesn’t feel as rewarding as it could have been. Certain narrative choices feel unearned or insufficiently justified, which weakens the impact of the film’s conclusion. That said, while many of the jokes are genuinely clever, funny, and well observed, not every gag lands. Some moments simply didn’t work for me, and in a few cases the punchlines were predictable well before they were delivered, which dulled their impact slightly.
A Hilarious Australian Comedy That Shines Early but Struggles to Stick the Landing
Overall, How to Talk Australians: The Movie delivers a great comedy story packed with wacky, spoofy moments that Australians will find relatable, painfully accurate, and genuinely funny. In fact, it’s almost impossible not to laugh. The cameo appearances are a welcome treat, and the opening and first act are incredibly strong and set the film up brilliantly. Sadly, the film’s biggest drawback is its finale. It feels as though it struggles to stick the landing, with the final moments lacking the confidence and impact of everything that came before. Sure, some of the jokes are easy to see coming, but that never takes away from the fun. Nevertheless, I already find myself quoting lines from the film, and it has left a lasting impression since I screened it, which is a wonderful achievement for an Australian comedy.
How to Talk Australians: The Movie (2026) will be Available in Australian Cinemas from June 11th thanks to Umbrella!
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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