Departure (1986)
An Australian family drama adapted from Michael Gurr's acclaimed play, exploring loyalty, love, and betrayal across generations.
Departure - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Brian Kavanagh
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1986 (Australia)
- Production Companies: Cineast Productions, Rychemond Film Productions
Departure - Plot
Based on the highly acclaimed play by Michael Gurr, 'A Pair of Claws', it revolves around a couple who have been married for more than 30 years. Although there is a great mutual warmth between them, they are both aware that a gulf exists between them. Their son, Simon, is involved in a scandal and to preserve his career Simon must publicly denounce his father.
Where to Watch Departure
Looking for where to watch Departure?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Departure - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brian Kavanagh
Main Cast
- Michael Duffield
- Patricia Kennedy
- June Jago
- Serge Lazareff
- Sean Scully
- Matthew Excell
Writers
- Michael Gurr
Producers
- Brian Kavanagh
- Christine Suli
Departure - FAQs
What is Departure (1986) about?
Departure follows Presley and Sylvia Swift, a couple married for over 30 years. Despite genuine warmth between them, a quiet emotional distance has grown. When their son Simon becomes embroiled in a scandal, he faces an agonizing choice: publicly denounce his own father to protect his career, fracturing the family in the process.
What play is Departure based on?
Departure is adapted from A Pair of Claws, a highly acclaimed stage play by Australian playwright Michael Gurr. Gurr also wrote the screenplay, ensuring the film stays close to the emotional and dramatic core of the original theatrical work.
Why does Simon denounce his father in Departure?
Simon Swift is caught up in a professional scandal that threatens his career. To distance himself and survive the fallout, he feels compelled to publicly denounce his father Presley. It's a devastating act of self-preservation that exposes the fragile fault lines running beneath the family's surface warmth.
Who directed and produced Departure (1986)?
Brian Kavanagh directed the film and also served as one of its producers, alongside Christine Suli. The production was handled by Cineast Productions and Rychemond Film Productions, making it a distinctly Australian independent project released in January 1986.
Who are the main actors in Departure?
The film's central performances come from Michael Duffield as Presley Swift and Patricia Kennedy as his wife Sylvia. Serge Lazareff plays their son Simon, with June Jago and Sean Scully rounding out the intimate ensemble cast that brings this family drama to life.
Where can you watch Departure (1986)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for Departure on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Options may include rental or purchase depending on where you are located.
Is Departure (1986) worth watching for drama fans?
For fans of intimate, character-driven drama, Departure offers a quietly powerful experience. Rooted in Michael Gurr's acclaimed stage play, it focuses on the emotional complexity of long-term marriage and family loyalty under pressure — the kind of restrained, dialogue-driven storytelling that rewards patient, attentive viewers.
What are similar films to Departure (1986)?
If Departure resonates with you, explore other intimate family dramas like What Maisie Knew (2013), Bastard Out of Carolina (1996), Hungry Hearts (2015), The Nest (2020), and Skin (2009). Each film examines family bonds under strain with the same emotional honesty found in Departure.
More About Departure
Explore further details about Departure on these authoritative resources.