Rabbit-Proof Fence

Rabbit-Proof Fence 2002

Test your knowledge of Rabbit-Proof Fence with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In 1931, two sisters, 14-year-old Molly and 8-year-old Daisy, along with their 10-year-old cousin Gracie, find themselves living in the remote town of Jigalong, located in Western Australia. This town is positioned along the northern section of the rabbit-proof fence, also known as Number One Fence, which stretches over a thousand miles across the country.

Meanwhile, in Perth, over a thousand miles away, the Protector of Western Australian Aborigines, A. O. Neville, often referred to as “Mr. Devil,” authorizes an order to relocate these young girls to the Moore River Native Settlement. He refers to the girls as “half-castes,” a term used for those with Aboriginal mothers and white fathers. In his misguided belief, Neville sees the Aboriginal people as a danger to themselves, and he is determined to ensure that the “half-castes” are bred out of existence. His plans include placing the girls in a camp where they would grow up, training them to serve as laborers and housemaids for white families, presumed to lead to eventual intermarriage and, consequently, the dilution of Aboriginal heritage within society.

The three girls are forcefully taken from their families in Jigalong by local constable Riggs and sent to the Moore River Native Settlement, situated about 90 km (55 miles) north of Perth.

At the settlement, the girls endure life in a large dormitory alongside numerous other children, tightly regulated by nuns. They are forbidden from speaking their native language and are coerced into performing Christian prayers, facing corporal punishment for any infraction against the camp’s harsh rules. Attempts to escape are met with severe consequences. During an approaching thunderstorm that could cover their escape, Molly takes on the leadership role and persuades the girls to flee and find their way back home.

As they embark on their perilous journey, the girls are relentlessly tracked down by Moodoo, an Aboriginal tracker assigned to the camp. They eventually locate the rabbit-proof fence, a guide that will lead them toward home. Following this fence for several months, they narrowly avoid capture time after time. Meanwhile, Neville spreads rumors that Gracie’s mother awaits her in the town of Wiluna. This misinformation reaches an Aboriginal traveler who deceives the girls.

He assures Gracie that they can reach Wiluna by train, prompting her to break away from her sisters in an effort to catch the train. Molly and Daisy pursue her and find her at the train station, but their reunion is short-lived as Riggs reappears and swiftly recaptures Gracie. The betrayal unfolds as Riggs reveals to the traveler that he will be rewarded with a shilling for his part in this deception.

Recognizing their inability to save Gracie, Molly and Daisy persist on their journey. Ultimately, after an arduous nine-week trek through the unforgiving Australian outback, they manage to cover an impressive 1,600 km (990 miles) along the fence, finally returning home to find refuge in the desert with their mother and grandmother. Meanwhile, Neville comes to the grim realization that he can no longer sustain the search for Molly and Daisy, prompting him to call it off.

Timeline

Track the key events of Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Arrival in Jigalong

In 1931, sisters Molly and Daisy, along with their cousin Gracie, move to the remote town of Jigalong in Western Australia. This small town is situated along the northern section of the extensive rabbit-proof fence, which plays a crucial role in their journey.

1931 Jigalong, Western Australia

Order for Relocation

In Perth, A.O. Neville, known as 'Mr. Devil', issues an order for the relocation of the three young girls. Referring to them as 'half-castes', he believes they need to be removed from their families to prevent them from being a danger to themselves.

Perth, Western Australia

Forced Removal

Local constable Riggs forcibly takes Molly, Daisy, and Gracie from their families in Jigalong. The girls are sent to the Moore River Native Settlement, about 90 kilometers north of Perth.

Moore River Native Settlement

Life in the Settlement

At the Moore River Native Settlement, the girls endure harsh conditions in a large dormitory filled with other children. They are forbidden from speaking their native language and face corporal punishment for any rule violations.

Moore River Native Settlement

Molly's Leadership

As a thunderstorm approaches, Molly takes charge and motivates her sisters to escape from the oppressive camp. The storm provides them with a cover for their daring departure.

Moore River Native Settlement

Beginning the Journey Home

Molly, Daisy, and Gracie begin their treacherous journey back home by following the rabbit-proof fence. This fence serves as their guide through the harsh Australian outback.

Rabbit-proof fence, Australia

Pursuit by Tracker

As the girls make their way along the rabbit-proof fence, they are relentlessly pursued by Moodoo, an Aboriginal tracker assigned to the settlement. The stress of evasion weighs heavily on them as they continue their trek.

Australian outback

Misinformation and Betrayal

Neville spreads false information that Gracie's mother is waiting for her in Wiluna. An Aboriginal traveler deceives the girls into believing they can reach Wiluna by train, leading Gracie to break away from her sisters.

Wiluna

Capture of Gracie

Molly and Daisy find Gracie at the train station as they attempt to reunite with her. However, Riggs appears and recaptures Gracie, shattering their hopes of escaping together.

Train station

Continuation of the Journey

Realizing they cannot save Gracie, Molly and Daisy press on with their journey home. Their determination remains strong as they continue to navigate the challenges of the outback.

Australian outback

Nine Weeks of Travel

Over the course of nine grueling weeks, Molly and Daisy trek more than 1,600 kilometers along the rabbit-proof fence. They face numerous obstacles and close calls with their pursuers during this time.

Rabbit-proof fence, Australia

Return Home

After enduring the harsh realities of the Australian landscape, Molly and Daisy finally make it back home to find refuge with their mother and grandmother in the desert. Their return symbolizes resilience and survival.

Desert near Jigalong

Neville's Realization

As Molly and Daisy reach safety, Neville acknowledges the futility of the ongoing search for the girls. He decides to call off the search, marking the end of his attempt to control their lives.

Perth, Western Australia

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Molly

Molly serves as the resilient leader of the sisters, displaying immense courage and determination throughout their dangerous journey. Her resourcefulness and strong will enable her to navigate the harsh realities they encounter while constantly seeking refuge and connection to her family. Molly embodies the spirit of defiance against oppressive forces.

👧 Young Leader 💪 Determination 🚶‍♀️ Brave

Daisy

Daisy is Molly's younger sister, whose innocence juxtaposes the harrowing events they encounter. While she struggles with the fear and uncertainty of their situation, her loyalty to Molly showcases the bond of sisterhood. Daisy represents the vulnerability of children caught in the tumult of colonial policies.

👧 Innocence 💖 Sisterhood 🏃‍♀️ Loyal

Gracie

Gracie, their cousin, adds complexity to the sisters' journey as her fate takes a tragic turn. Her desire for connection ultimately leads to her separation from Molly and Daisy, highlighting the challenges faced by those caught within colonial structures. Gracie's character serves as a poignant reminder of the broader impact on Aboriginal families.

👧 Tragic 💔 Separation 😔 Vulnerable

A. O. Neville

A. O. Neville, dubbed 'Mr. Devil,' represents the oppressive colonial authority responsible for the forced separation of Aboriginal children from their families. His misguided intentions stem from a belief fueled by racial prejudice, reflecting the broader systemic issues at play. His character engines the conflict and illustrates the stark realities of colonial policies.

👤 Authority ❌ Oppression 😤 Misguided

Riggs

Riggs serves as the local constable enforcing Neville’s orders, demonstrating the role of law enforcement in perpetuating colonial injustices. His interactions with the girls reveal the brutal realities of authority figures who uphold oppressive systems. Riggs embodies the cold facade of those who enact policies devoid of empathy.

👮‍♂️ Enforcer ⚖️ Authority 😠 Antagonist

Setting

Uncover the settings of Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1931

The year 1931 was marked by systemic injustices and policies aimed at the forced assimilation of Aboriginal Australians. This period saw the implementation of controversial measures that directly targeted the Aboriginal population, particularly the so-called 'half-castes,' leading to the loss of cultural identity and family separation.

Location

Jigalong, Moore River Native Settlement, Perth, Wiluna

Jigalong is a remote town in Western Australia, known for its location along the rabbit-proof fence. The Moore River Native Settlement served as a grim facility for Aboriginal children, where they were subjected to harsh regulations and prohibited from speaking their native languages. Perth, located over a thousand miles away, served as the authority center for policies affecting Aboriginal peoples. Wiluna, a nearby town, is a significant stop on the girls' treacherous journey.

🌄 Outback 🏡 Settlement 🌏 Australia

Themes

Explore the core themes of Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🚨

Survival

The theme of survival runs deeply through the journey of the sisters as they navigate perilous landscapes and oppressive authorities. Their determination to return home highlights resilience against the backdrop of systemic oppression. The struggle to maintain their identities amidst forced assimilation embodies the fight for survival in the face of adversity.

👩‍👧‍👧

Family

Family is a central theme in the bond between the sisters and their drive to reunite with their mother and grandmother. The preposterous separation inflicted by authorities underscores the emotional impact of familial bonds and the lengths one will go for loved ones. This theme portrays the strength found within familial relationships during times of crisis.

🛑

Colonialism

Colonialism is a powerful theme throughout the narrative, as it critiques the invasive policies that sought to erase Aboriginal cultures. The actions of the Protector and the justification of taking children away from their families embody the violent realities imposed by colonial rule. The movie serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing effects of colonialism on Aboriginal communities.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.