★★★★☆
Inspired by a true sibling relationship, Buffalo Kids is a wholesome animated adventure film that contains just the right amount of slapstick humour to delight young audiences.
It begins with a slip-sliding action sequence as a ship docks in New York. Among those on board are two young orphans, Tom (Conor MacNeill) and Mary (Alisha Wier), who have travelled unaccompanied from Ireland. When their Uncle Niall (Stephen Graham) doesn’t show up to collect them, they adopt a random dog – because why not? – and sneak aboard a westbound train in search of family.
Luckily, their carriage is filled almost exclusively with fellow orphans, who are also in search of family. This might seem like an unreasonably convenient plot coincidence, but it’s probably a nod to New York’s historical orphan trains, which transported a quarter of a million destitute children across the country between 1854 and 1929.
Buffalo Kids contains a few subtle nods to history that could catalyse educational conversations after viewing the film. For example, Tom and Mary arrive in New York just in time for the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, suggesting (to an observant child) that the film might be set in 1886. But I digress…
These particular orphans are on their way to their new homes, under the protection of Miss Eleanor (Gemma Arterton), who takes Tom and Mary under her gentle wing. Eleanor is kind to all the children, especially Nick, who is non-verbal and confined to a wheelchair.
Mary, who is the more outgoing of the siblings, befriends Nick almost immediately. He might not be able to speak, but he communicates with heart. The bond between Nick and Mary is beautifully portrayed and endearing to watch.
Drawn by the lure of a buffalo herd, Tom, Mary, and Nick impulsively disembark the train during a fuel stop. The train leaves without them, leaving the children stranded in the wilderness. Adventure ensues.
From horse riding with the Cheyenne to being captured by gold-mining villains, this charming trio overcomes every obstacle they encounter through ingenuity and teamwork.
But that doesn’t mean it’s all flowers and rainbows. There are very real threats to overcome, portrayed palatably enough for young audiences to appreciate. For example, Tom saves Mary from coyotes, Mary gets creative with diarrhea berries, and Nick’s heroism proves that agency and strength have nothing to do with physical capability.
The film’s treatment of disability is sensitive without being patronising, with a significant emphasis on the importance of acceptance.
The pistol-toting villains are as tropey as their distinctive moustaches, but polarity works in the context of this film, which avoids moral ambiguity in preference for a clear distinction between good and evil. The protagonists are, on the whole, charming and likable, especially Mary and Nick, whose dynamic is the glue that holds the narrative together.
Buffalo Kids does have a happy ending. Perhaps it resolves a little too perfectly, but the neatness of it all strikes the right emotional tone.
The animation incorporates an interesting combination of aesthetic elements, acknowledging the historical setting without feeling old-timey, perfectly complemented by Fernando Velázquez’s uplifting score. Steam trains and mine carts populate vivid wild landscapes, bringing a fresh feel to the wild west of the late 1800s.
The pacing is fast enough to hold young children’s attention and, at only 82 minutes long, they can probably even watch it all in one sitting!
Buffalo Kids is perfect for family movie night and will be especially enjoyed by siblings with a fondness for adventure. Infused with themes of inclusivity, Buffalo Kids is brimful of positive messaging, historical easter eggs, and heartwarming humour.
BUFFALO KIDS opens nationally on Thursday 28 May at participating cinemas.
Website: https://rialtodistribution.com/film/buffalo-kids/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/rialtodistributionau/
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: Buffalo Kids
Director: Juan Jesús García, Galocha & Pedro Solís García
Cast: Alisha Weir, Gemma Arterton, Sean Bean & Stephen Graham
Country of Origin: Spain
Duration: 82 mins
Rating: PG
