Taking on the controversial issue of euthanasia with a “she’ll be right mate” attitude, whatever conviction Last Cab to Darwin lacks is replaced with a down to earth charm personified in Michael Caton’s lead performance.

As everywhere else, euthanasia is a fiery issue in Australia, and one day a film will be made that represents both sides of the debate in suitably passionate fashion. Last Cab to Darwin is not that film.

Based on the popular stage play by Reg Cribb, this Jeremy Sims directed drama uses euthanasia as the launching pad for its story rather than being the whole story. The results are satisfying if not a little too low key, Sims never able to provide that ethically charged narrative or emotionally heavy dramatic moment needed to lift his film above its content state.

What it does have is a grounded charm that’s easily digestible, thanks to the lead performance of Michael Caton. He stars as Rex, a cab driver diagnosed with stomach cancer and given mere months to live. With no family ties nor desire to undergo hospital care, Rex chooses to drive over 3000km from his Broken Hill home all the way to Darwin, where government approved euthanasia procedures are sent to begin.

What follows is a road trip where the destination can either be seen as death or liberation (depending on ones point of view). Regardless, the macabre undertow of a man racing against time to end his life is countered with vibrant imagery, director of photography Steve Arnold’s visuals awash with colours that outback Australia beckons to be captured and only adds to the curiously light tone of the film.

Of course with a road trip movie comes the usual “interesting characters met along the way” route, and it’s during these detours that Last Cab to Darwin loses its way.

There is Tilly (Mark Coles Smith) an Aboriginal man whose dream of becoming an Australian Rules star is constantly derailed by his drinking, thieving, cheating ways. There is Julie (Emma Hamilton) a British nurse / barmaid who drops everything to join Rex’s road trip (because it will be such a fun time!). Then there is Dr. Farmer (Jackie Weaver) the euthanasia advocate of much passion yet little human touch. All of these characters are unable to draw sympathy or interest, especially Weaver’s “doctor death” who comes across as much too bitter and condescending to win people on her side.

Thankfully Catton is able to balance the playing field. While his Rex isn’t the easiest character to understand, Catton infuses him with that everyman charisma that is his stock in trade and makes him a likeable character worth investing in. Had Last Cab to Darwin not have Catton as its Rex, it would have been a tedious journey indeed.