When a kangaroo family discovers a lost tiger, Red (Jimi Bani) and Kara (Nakkiah Lui), the parents are bewildered about how this baby tiger could have been left behind. With no information about its origin, they adopt the tiger and welcome him into their family as one of their own. Red, Kara and their children are travelling wrestlers who earn a living by putting on entertaining shows. As time passes, we see that the tiger, now named Teo (Thomas Weatherall), has grown up. Teo lives with the kangaroo family and has become heavily involved in their wrestling routines and performances. After one of the most recent shows ends in disaster, Teo is given a choice of how he would like to spend the day with the family. It’s clear that Teo isn’t much of a wrestler or sports enthusiast, so he chooses to visit the local museum, which interests him greatly.
While at the museum, Teo and the Roo family make a significant discovery that may connect Teo to his past. They also meet a staff member named Plato (Rhys Darby), an aspiring adventurer. Following their visit to the museum, Teo can’t stop thinking about his past and the possibility of learning more about his origins, and he hopes to discover his real family. Inspired and determined, Teo decides to embark on a personal adventure to find his home. He is joined by Plato, who claims to be an expert in all things adventurous. However, Plato is not being entirely honest about his skills and past; he hopes that this adventure will help him gain respect from those who underestimate him.
When the Roo family realises Teo is missing, they set out to find him, following various clues and hints left behind. Will Teo uncover the truth about his upbringing and family and learn why he was abandoned?
The Lost Tiger is best described as an animated family film that embodies a strong sense of adventure. Chantelle Murray co-wrote and directed the film. Murray has previously worked on several short films, including Shed (2019) and My Name is Mudju (2019). Notably, this is the first animated feature directed by an Indigenous woman.
I am excited to share how much I enjoyed this film. Like other productions from Like A Photon Creative, The Lost Tiger is a fantastic family film with a positive message. It emphasises the importance of knowing who you are and where you come from and standing up for your beliefs and what rightfully belongs to you.
In addition to its uplifting themes, the film features heartfelt moments, a delightful array of animal characters, stunning animation, and, most importantly, clever jokes that appeal to all ages. Fans will also see various Easter eggs and returning characters throughout the film. This includes nods to Sanctuary City’s beloved superhero, Maggie Diggins, aka Combat Wombat!
The voice work in the film is excellent, with standout performances from Jimi Bani as Red, Rhys Darby as Plato, and Celeste Barber as the villain, Quinella. The pacing starts off strong, and the second act is filled with multiple stories featuring various adventures and comedic moments. However, I found the third act slowed down significantly and dragged on, ultimately entering familiar territory with a typical final showdown and fight. Despite this, the film’s messaging remains clear and has a profound impact, regardless of the audience’s age.
Overall, if you’ve enjoyed titles like Combat Wombat or The Sloth Lane, you’re in for another treat with The Lost Tiger! This film not only features fun Easter eggs and references to other movies but also leans more towards being a family adventure film. The humour is light-hearted, and the on-screen characters are delightful and highly creative. The voice performances, including those of Rhys Darby and Celeste Barber, are excellent. Additionally, as this is the first animated feature directed by an Indigenous woman, I’m proud to say that the film’s strong messaging and story are truly remarkable for all audiences. It is both informative and encouraging for viewers of all ages.
FILM SCORE: 6.2/10
Published: 16th November 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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