Samson & Delilah

2009 • 100 minutes

About this movie

Two teenagers find love and look for a place where they can be together in peace in this comedy drama from Australia. Samson (Rowan McNamara) is 15 years old and lives in a shabby town in the outback, where he huffs gasoline to get high, hangs out with his friends, and spends his days goofing off and getting into minor trouble. One day, Samson meets Delilah (Marissa Gibson) at the village market, a girl who follows a different path in life - she looks after her elderly grandmother (Mitjili Gibson), and helps her create paintings that they sell to tourists to support themselves. While Delilah doesn't have much to say to Samson at first, he's immediately taken with her and shows his affection with a graffiti painting. While she's not willing to admit it at first, Delilah has feelings for him as well, and when her grandmother encourages her to follow her heart, the two begin dating. But life is difficult on the outback, and when they both become victims of violence, Samson and Delilah hit the road and begin looking for a town where they can lead a better life. The first feature film from writer and director Warwick Thornton, Samson and Delilah was an official selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it was screened as part of the "Un Certain Regard" program. 2009 Screen Australia, New South Wales Film and Television Office, Scarlett Pictures Pty Ltd, Warwick Thornton and CAAMA Productions Pty Ltd.

Ratings and reviews

One of those movies where you think the slow start will get quicker as the movie goes on - but it doesnt. Every time I saw that kid petrol sniffing it made me want to get up an leave or go back to my book! Sends shivers down my spine at the thought but I guess the movie was successful in achieving that emotional reaction

Having grown up in the area where this was shot, I can assure you of this films authenticity. If you think Will Farrell movies are a good watch, walk away. But if you have a brain and an ounce of compassion, do not miss. This will be a life moment for you.

Very few words are spoken in this movie, it doesn't need anymore than it has either. Well thought out and shot movie, some insight into Aboriginal experiences.