What Is Rabbit-Proof Fence About?
The premise of Rabbit-Proof Fence in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the stark, sun‑baked wilderness of 1930s Western Australia, a government policy seeks to reshape the lives of its Indigenous peoples, pulling children from their families and placing them in distant settlements. The vast, arid landscape is punctuated by the iconic rabbit‑proof fence—a massive, unbroken line of steel that stretches for miles across the continent, serving both as a physical barrier and a silent witness to the era’s tensions. The film’s tone is quietly relentless, capturing the raw beauty of the outback while underscoring the quiet resistance that brews beneath its endless horizons.
At the heart of the story are three young Aboriginal girls whose bond is forged in the remote community of Jigalong. Molly, a determined fourteen‑year‑old, naturally assumes a protective role, guiding her younger companions with a mix of courage and tenderness. Beside her, Daisy, an eight‑year‑old with a fierce spirit, brings an unguarded optimism that lights their path. Their cousin, Gracie, ten years old, adds a layer of youthful curiosity and fierce loyalty, completing a trio whose different ages and temperaments create a dynamic of mutual support and shared resolve. Together they embody a blend of innocence and steel‑willed tenacity, setting the stage for a journey that tests the limits of endurance and hope.
Against the backdrop of government authority and the unforgiving desert, the girls confront the weight of a system designed to erase their heritage. Yet the narrative never descends into overt antagonism; instead, it paints a portrait of quiet defiance, where the fence itself becomes both a navigational guide and a metaphor for the boundaries they must cross—both physical and cultural. The film invites viewers to feel the heat of the land, hear the whisper of the wind against the wire, and sense the unspoken promise that the girls’ determination will lead them toward a future they must shape with their own hands.
What Happens in Rabbit-Proof Fence?
The complete story of Rabbit-Proof Fence, from the first scene to the last, in 511 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Rabbit-Proof Fence Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Arrival in Jigalong” to “Neville's Realization”. 13 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
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.
When:1931 Where:Jigalong, Western Australia
- 2
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.
Where:Perth, Western Australia
- 3
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.
Where:Moore River Native Settlement
- 4
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.
Where:Moore River Native Settlement
- 5
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.
Where:Moore River Native Settlement
- 6
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.
Where:Rabbit-proof fence, Australia
- 7
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.
Where:Australian outback
- 8
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.
Where:Wiluna
- 9
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.
Where:Train station
- 10
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.
Where:Australian outback
Show the other 3 events of Rabbit-Proof Fence Hide the last 3 events
- 11
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.
Where:Rabbit-proof fence, Australia
- 12
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.
Where:Desert near Jigalong
- 13
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.
Where:Perth, Western Australia
Who Are the Main Characters in Rabbit-Proof Fence?
5 characters, among them Molly, Daisy and Gracie: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- M
Molly
Played by Everlyn Sampi
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
- D
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
- G
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
- AO
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
- R
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
Where and When Is Rabbit-Proof Fence Set?
Rabbit-Proof Fence is set in Jigalong, Moore River Native Settlement, Perth and Wiluna (1931). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of Rabbit-Proof Fence?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Survival, Family and Colonialism.
-
01
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.
-
02
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.
-
03
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.
What Kind of Film Is Rabbit-Proof Fence?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A harrowing and tense survival drama that follows three young girls on an epic, desperate journey home, creating an emotionally heavy experience filled with oppression, resilience, and a bittersweet sense of hope.
- harrowing
- oppressive
- hopeful
- determined
- lonely
- gut-wrenching
- survival
- child endangerment
- colonialism
- forced separation
Content notes: child endangerment, forced institutionalization, cultural erasure, child separation, racism.
Quiz
How well do you remember Rabbit-Proof Fence? Test yourself on the story.
