Western Movie With 90% on RT Is a Major Hit on Paramount+ 5 Years Later (& You’ve Probably Never Heard of It)

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While Westerns aren’t as popular as they used to be, they still have a dedicated following. Recently, an Australian Western film that was successful in Australia but largely unnoticed elsewhere is gaining attention. Five years after its initial release, it’s now climbing the charts thanks to viewers discovering it on Paramount+.

Released in 2020, High Ground is an Australian Western film inspired by real events that took place in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, after World War I. The movie tells the story of the region’s Aboriginal people and explores the difficult truths about Australia’s colonial past in a sweeping, dramatic way.

Set in the beautiful landscapes of 1930s Arnhem Land, High Ground tells the story of Gutjuk, a young Aboriginal man, and Travis, an ex-soldier played by Simon Baker. Gutjuk seeks Travis’ help to find Baywara, a dangerous warrior who also happens to be his uncle, hoping to save what remains of his family. As they travel through the outback, Gutjuk and Travis begin to trust each other, but their bond is tested when secrets from Travis’ past come to light, turning the tables and making him the one being hunted.

High Ground‘s Real History, Explained

While High Ground (2020) doesn’t stick strictly to historical facts, it’s similar to films like Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained in that it tells a fictional story of justice and revenge for a group who have been mistreated. The film draws inspiration from a real event: the 1911 “Gan Gan massacre,” where colonial police and settlers killed over 30 Indigenous Australian men, women, and children from the Gan Gan riverside community.

Eyewitness accounts describe a peaceful tribal ceremony that was violently interrupted when mounted men attacked the villages, killing women and children. The tribesmen fought back to protect their land, but they were no match for the attackers’ guns. In response, Aboriginal men killed two colonists at Trial Bay. The riders, led by a man named Bill Harney, then went to Birany Birany and committed another massacre of men, women, and children. Disturbingly, Harney is said to have returned a year later to collect the skulls of those he killed as keepsakes.

High Ground’s Cultural Impact Was Massive

The movie High Ground explores the lasting effects of the Gan Gan massacres and similar violent events, which are significant parts of Australia’s history and culture. Critics have given it positive reviews, with a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film was a critical success in Australia, being named the country’s best film of 2021 by The Film Critics Circle. It also received eight nominations at the AACTA Awards – Australia’s version of the Oscars – and won for Best Costume Design, recognizing the work of designer Erin Roche.

Beyond just the numbers, the 2020 film High Ground has helped Australians connect with their history and introduced international audiences to stories they might not have otherwise known. And, as seen with its popularity on Paramount+, that’s proving to be true – it’s a welcome development, even if it’s taken time.

You can stream High Ground (2020) on Paramount+.

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2025-11-28 21:12