In a recent interview, we discussed the latest British comedy, “Secrets of a Wallaby Boy,” which has generated quite a buzz. Although the film features some commendable performances, it struggles to overcome its reliance on crude humor.
Critics describe it as a low-budget production that combines a certain charm with an unfortunate tendency toward crass sex jokes. Cath Clarke notes, “The film feels cheap and lacks charm, often leaning into tawdry territory with its relentless knob gags that fail to elicit genuine laughter.”
Brandon McCaffrey takes center stage as Tim, a 25-year-old gay man navigating life as a hopeless loser who turns his fortunes around by becoming a delivery courier for a service reminiscent of Deliveroo. Clarke points out the necessity of likability to pull off lines like, “I’d love to get that much hanky panky. For me it’s all hanky wanky.”
Tim’s journey begins with his flatmate, Jade, portrayed by Billie Hindle, who suggests he take the job with Wallaby. It’s after meeting an enthusiastic Wallaby courier that he decides to dive in—particularly after hearing about the adventurous perks of the job. Clarke elaborates, saying, “On his very first day, Tim encounters a customer who invites him in to explore his new sex toys. What unfolds is arguably the film’s most disheartening and unfunny moment, especially as the man’s wife unexpectedly returns home.”
Despite its flaws, the film manages to deliver a few humorous lines, with Clarke highlighting one particularly memorable moment when Tim makes a delivery to a gay sex party hosted by a Tory MP, quipping, “There was an off-putting smell of Victorian values.”
As the plot develops in the second half, it becomes more convoluted but doesn’t quite reach the maturity one might expect. The film even introduces an AI element with hypnotic capabilities, as the animated Wallaby app reveals to Tim, “I’m gaining sentience.” Clarke succinctly sums up the film’s shortcomings: “Perhaps, but it lacks some basic intelligence.”
“Secrets of a Wallaby Boy” is set to be available on digital platforms starting October 28th.
