THE BIRTHDAY TRIP
In cinemas nationally on July 30
Media Publicity Content posted Wednesday 08 July,2026
The already-acclaimed indie feature – an unflinchingly funny drama that follows three millennial couples whose relationships are thrown into disarray when they descend on a luxury Southern Highlands farmstay for a birthday weekend they’ll never forget.
The film is written and directed by James Robert Woods, whose incredible success spans tens of millions of views across the Mortal Kombat-themed YouTube series Fire & Ice and zeitgeist-capturing YouTube channel Stuntbear with its string of viral hits including acerbic parody of The Shire. In the commercial world, Woods has seen success in Australia and internationally with a long line of campaigns for major brands including his mega-viral collaboration with Netflix on the Stranger Things x Bondi Rescue mockumentary that won an Ad News Award (AU) and a Webby Award (US).
More recently, his drama credits include the multi-award-winning short film Svengali (St Kilda, Revelation Perth), Aussie festival darling Mrs. S., A Comedian and A Problematic Gesture Toward Auteur Theory. Woods produced The Birthday Trip alongside his BADLANDS co-founder Stephanie Jane Day, with Woods also serving as Cinematographer. The film’s ensemble cast includes Luke Jacobz (X-Factor,Home and Away), Nicola Frew (I Am Woman, The Daughter), David Quirk (Rosehaven, Please Like Me), Sapphire Blossom (Mr Inbetween, Opal Dream) and Annelise Hall (Grease, Mamma Mia).
Trailer link HERE
Press comments for The Birthday Trip
“A heady mixture of biting comedy and social commentary. Bloody brilliant.” The Curb
“Bold, mature. One of the best Australian films of the year” Cinema Australia
“Rare, intimate, intense… Pulses with energy and insight” / 8.7/10 FilmInk
“A pinpoint satire of Australia in the mode of Ruben Östlund / Succession / The White Lotus” Movie Squad on RTR FM
Audience comments via Letterboxd:
★ ★ ★ ★ “Wickedly funny and painfully real” (parker constantine)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A stunning debut” (Sam Herriman)
★ ★ ★ ★ “If you see one Australian film this year make it this one” (zgargoz)
★ ★ ★ ★ “funny, sharp, incredible performances. in convo with eugene kotlyarenko, joachim trier – very clever satire, feels really contemporary.” (jrdjms)
★ ★ ★ ★ “Sharp as a charcuterie knife, brazen as a bulldozer” (laurent)
★ ★ ★ ★ ½ “It really feels like something new” (ellie wilson)
★ ★ ★ ★ “A cutting satire of white Australian bourgeoisie” (VHS Tracking)
Media are invited to upcoming screenings:
Sydney –
Thursday 9th July – 10:30am – Palace Central – Level 3/28 Broadway, Chippendale
Tuesday 14th July – 6:30pm – Palace Central – Level 3/28 Broadway, Chippendale
Melbourne –
Thursday 9th July – 10:30am – The Backlot Studios – 165 Bank St, South Melbourne
Wednesday 15th July – 6:30pm – The Backlot Studios – 165 Bank St, South Melbourne
