Looking for a film that’ll warm your heart and make you laugh out loud? Craig Silvey’s beloved novel Runt has leapt from the page to the big screen, brought to life by an all-star Aussie cast including Jai Courtney, Celeste Barber, Deborah Mailman, and the legendary Jack Thompson.
Runt is the perfect family flick, bringing together quirky Aussie charm, adorable dog antics, and a heartwarming story set right here in WA that celebrates the beauty of our local towns.
What’s the story?
Runt takes us to the small town of Upson Downs, where ten-year-old Annie Shearer and her scrappy dog, are determined to save their family’s farm. After stumbling across a local dog agility competition and unexpectedly winning they find out they are on the path to qualify for the the prestigious Krumpets Dog Show in London, Annie decides to go for the win and get the prize money that could be their saving grace. Problem is, poor Runt can’t perform in front of anyone but her. Along the way, Annie and Runt face a mix of wild adventures and quirky characters, all while trying to keep hope alive in their close-knit community.
At its heart, Runt is about friendship, family, and the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love—even when things get tough. With a loveable cast, laugh-out-loud moments, and that distinct Aussie charm, it’s a feel-good ride from start to finish, capturing the beauty of small-town life and big dreams.
At the centre of it all is, of course, Runt (Expertly method acted by the best boy, Squid), the mischievous little dog who stirs up all sorts of chaos in the life of young Annie, played by the utterly charming Lily LaTorre. Lily shines as the film’s young star, playing a spirited, determined girl who refuses to give up on her lovable four-legged friend or her family, bringing a mix of innocence and spunk that’s just irresistible.
She’s joined by her real-life brother, Jack LaTorre, who naturally plays her daredevil sibling, and their chemistry on screen is as delightful as you’d imagine. It’s not all smooth sailing; they’re up against the cartoonishly menacing Earl Robert-Barren (played by the scenery chewing Jack Thompson), who’s doing everything he can to force the family to sell.
Runt keeps things light and fun, with Celeste Barber stealing scenes as Susie, the chaotic and frazzled mum who’s a disaster in the kitchen but a whiz with the sewing machine. Barber’s portrayal of Susie is filled with that trademark cheek we know and love, but also a warmth that shines through in every scene. Jai Courtney as the goofy, well-meaning dad, Jack, is wonderful. He leans fully into the silliness, bringing the right amount of over-the-top energy and warmth that gives Runt such love and heart.
Matt Day’s performance as Fergus Fink, the flamboyant and over-the-top dog trial rival, is top tier. He’s ridiculous in all the best ways, perfectly capturing that larger-than-life energy that contrasts beautifully with the country warmth of the family. And let’s not forget Genevieve Lemon as their quirky grandmother—an absolute scene-stealer with her kooky, offbeat charm.
At its core, Runt is pure, feel-good Australian fun. The film’s cartoony tone, silly antics, and wholesome spirit make it a joyful watch for all ages.
One of the most special things about Runt is that it was filmed in Western Australia, making the film a true love letter to our local landscape and community. The main street of York feels like a movie set with the town’s heritage buildings, rolling landscapes and vastness giving you the ability to travel back in time. There is an Aussie charm, a special calmness, paired with the community’s eccentricities and peculiarity that makes it the perfect fit for Upson Downs.
The production pumped more than a million dollars into the local businesses, exceeding expectations with even more pumped into WA as whole during filming. Nearly a hundred locals joined the cast in various small roles, giving the chance to kickstart a career or simply have their 5 minutes of fame to tell the grandkids about.
Runt was shot in just six weeks across Western Australia’s stunning Wheatbelt, with scenes also filmed in Gidgegannup, Perth CBD and Fremantle. Perth even stood in for London for the Krumpets Dog Show scenes, filmed at RAC Arena, with a bit of help from the visual effects team at Spectrum Films, making this independent movie feel like a big-budget production.
The crew, many of whom were at the preview, spoke with immense pride about their work, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a palpable sense of family behind the production—something that comes through in every frame. Crew members staying to watch the film they spent nine months creating, and absolutely beaming on the way out was wholesome to see.
This adaptation comes straight from the mind of Runt’s original author, Craig Silvey, who also adapted Jasper Jones for the screen. The novel itself became a bestseller in 2022, winning hearts with its heartfelt storytelling and lovable characters, and now it’s making waves as a heartwarming Aussie family film. Craig himself was at the preview screening giving a heartfelt introduction and signing books, while the whole crew came together to share how proud they are of their creation. It was a reminder that this film is much more than just a movie; it’s a labour of love for everyone involved.
