Samson and Delilah 2009

Samson's isolation and petrol sniffing

Samson is a mute boy living in a run-down shelter in an Aboriginal community near Alice Springs. He is addicted to sniffing petrol, a habit that isolates him from others. His elder brother's ska band practices outside his bedroom, disrupting his sleep and highlighting his daily struggle.

Delilah's care for her grandmother and dot paintings

Delilah helps care for her frail grandmother and accompanies her to clinic appointments. They create dot paintings that are sold through an art broker for modest sums. Their quiet craft provides a small, fragile hope amid their difficult lives.

Samson notices Delilah

Samson becomes interested in Delilah and awkwardly tries to get her attention. Delilah's grandmother mocks his advances, and Delilah remains uninterested. The tension hints at a complicated dynamic between them.

Samson follows Delilah and tries to move in

Samson spends a day trailing Delilah around the community and makes an uninvited attempt to move in with her. His actions reveal his desperation and lack of boundaries. Delilah continues to rebuff him.

Grandmother's death and Delilah's treatment

Delilah's grandmother dies in the night, and her family blames Delilah for the loss. She is subjected to a brutal beating with sticks as punishment and blame. The tragedy deepens Delilah's isolation and grief.

Family violence and Samson's act of violence

In a fit of rage, Samson hits his brother with a log to silence him, triggering a retaliatory beating. The violence within the family escalates into fear and resentment. The incident pushes Samson further toward desperation.

Desperate theft and escape to Alice Springs

Desperate to escape his circumstances, Samson steals the community car with Delilah and drives toward Alice Springs. They end up living rough under a bridge over the Todd River. They meet Gonzo, a chronic alcoholic homeless man who offers them shelter.

Gonzo provides shelter

Gonzo allows them to stay under the bridge as they adjust to their new rough life. They begin to find some stability away from their prior community. The harsh reality of homelessness deepens their bond.

Delilah's paintings draw attention

Delilah discovers that her dot paintings are for sale in an Alice Springs gallery for thousands of dollars. She tries to sell her work herself but is rebuffed by the gallery owner and the public. The market's indifference contrasts with her dreams of relief from poverty.

Samson's addiction intensifies

Samson's petrol sniffing addiction becomes more severe as the weeks pass. He loses touch with reality and struggles to notice what's happening around him. The drug's grip compounds their precarious situation.

Delilah's kidnapping and assault

Delilah is kidnapped by a group of white teenagers in a car and subjected to assault. She endures violence and returns battered while the attackers escape. On recovery, she sinks deeper into petrol sniffing herself.

Delilah's car accident and mourning

One day, while both are walking intoxicated, Delilah is hit by a car. Samson sobers and believes she is dead, cutting off his hair in mourning. He remains under the bridge for weeks, lost in grief and petrol haze.

Rescue and return to community

Delilah is released from hospital and returns with her brother to rescue Samson, bringing them both back to their community. They confront the community's anger as they reunite with their home. The journey marks a turning point toward reconciliation.

Rehabilitation begins

An old woman beats Samson for stealing the community's car, illustrating the consequences of their actions. Delilah takes charge of his rehabilitation, guiding him toward treatment and sobriety. The effort shows her determination to change their lives.