Roadkill
Footy-obsessed 10-year-old Sam lives with his mum, Kelly, while his other mum, Sarah, is newly absent. While they are driving through the bush, Sam distracts Kelly, causing her to swerve off the road and hit a kangaroo. Over the next few days, he is haunted by the dead marsupial, who quickly becomes his confidant.
Eager to help his struggling mum, Sam only creates further chaos at home through his well-intentioned efforts. When a mishap involving a football sparks a confrontation between the two of them, it forces both to confront their unvoiced feelings of grief and frustration.
Through a blend of horror, humour and poignant moments, Roadkill explores Sam’s coming to terms with the guilt he feels surrounding his parents’ divorce.
Unclassified 15+
Course: MFA FTV Narrative
Director Biography
Susannah Thomas is an enthusiastic writer/director pursuing her Masters of Film and Television at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Her work uniquely blends elements of horror with storytelling aimed at children, emphasising their agency and perspectives. Her films often feature unconventional elements such as puppets, chickens and whimsical narratives that challenge traditional genres.
Susannah is passionate about telling queer stories and working with other queer creatives. Growing up in a small country town, she brings a rural style of filmmaking to all of her projects. Her short films have been shown at festivals, including Midsumma and Monsterfest, and have been exhibited at ACMI.