Two new one-word-titled true-memoir films are just begging to be compared. Whereas Wild is a “chronicle of one woman’s 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent catastrophe” (IMDB), Tracks tells the story of a “young woman [who] goes on a 1,700-mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog” (IMDB).

Marshall Fine, The Huffington Post, states the following about Tracks in comparison to Wild: “a less audience-friendly film because while the two physical journeys are similar, the psychological journeys are much different.”

Tracks is set in the 1970’s, Wild in the 1990’s. Watch both trailers below:

For additional info about Wild, see my post about this film.

The Real-Life Main Character of Tracks: Robyn Davidson 

“As depicted in the film, Davidson is not much of a people person. But she has a way with animals, and plans to make the trek with three adult camels, a cute baby camel named Goliath, and her dog Diggity.” (Peter Keough, Boston Globe)

“…a mix of maniacal idealism and childish stubbornness that makes it seem her chin is perpetually stuck out at the world. It’s hard to judge who’s more cantankerous, her or the four feral camels she trains to haul supplies for her and her beloved black dog, Diggity.” (Kristin Tillotson, Star Tribune)

The Performance of the Lead in Tracks: Mia Wasikowska 

“After witnessing Wasikowska’s tour de force, its hard to imagine that even Oscar-winner Witherspoon can top it.” (Kriston Tillotson, Star Tribune)

Why the Journey? Tracks

“Hints at why come in flashbacks to her childhood — her father’s walkabouts, her mother’s suicide. But they feel like a distraction. As you watch the film unfold, the why quickly becomes less important than the how.” (Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times)

Those Met Along the Way (Tracks)

“Though Kurt is a cheating brute, more often Robyn is met by the kindness of strangers. Three become instrumental in her journey: the Afghan camel wrangler Sallay (John Flaus), the Aborigine elder Mr. Eddy (Rolley Mintuma) and Rick (Adam Driver), the photographer who starts as an irritant and becomes a friend.” (Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times)