A film about faith and perseverance, Ride Like a Girl tells the story of female jockey Michelle Payne with a classic style that allows its universal themes and fantastic performances to shine.

Australia is a country filled with remarkable people who have lived remarkable lives. For some reason or another its filmmakers do not take advantage of this, focusing instead on the country's shameful past rather than on those who gave Australia its bright present.

One of those people is Michelle Payne, who in 2015 became the first female jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup. During these times where equality in the sporting field is especially prevalent, Ride Like a Girl resonates. What makes this directorial debut by Rachel Griffiths especially strong is how it presents Payne's journey, with her story as a fighter of psychological, physical, and religious strength, one that stands out in our increasingly secularised and cynical times.

The film begins with young Michelle as the runt of the litter of 10 kids, raised by widowed father Paddy (Sam Neil). Living on their farm in Miners Rest, Victoria, the Payne clan dedicate themselves to the breeding and racing of horses, and to the Church which they worship in dutifully every Sunday. Michelle wants to follow in the family tradition and race. Paddy, still grieving over the loss of one daughter on the track, would rather she take care of her brother Stevie (played by Stevie Payne himself) who has Down Syndrome.

Michelle of course resists such restrictions, and the theme of perseverance against odds external and self-inflicted features throughout. As portrayed wonderfully by Teresa Palmer, Michelle is a tenacious force who confronts and knocks down all matter of obstacle, and in the male dominated world of horse-racing there is indeed plenty to overcome. From rampart sexism to the impenetrable, cliquey system comprised of stable managers, owners, and male jockeys, it was made very clear that Michelle was unwelcome and deemed a threat. When Michelle proudly declares her detractors to "go and get stuffed" after her Melbourne Cup triumph, it is incredibly satisfying. 

The inner strength that Michelle found to endure is inherent in her family, especially that of her father Paddy. Widowed and left to raise 10 children on his own, Paddy relies on his faith in the Church to help him through times of joy and times of grief. Griffith is to be commended in not shying away from the role that religious life had on the Payne clan, and Neill delivers one of his best performances as the head of a household whose conviction in faith and love of his family shines through.   

From all the wonderful moments in Ride Like a Girl, there is one that lingers. Waiting in the starting gate at the biggest race of her life, Michelle lets go of her ego and prays to the heavens for her mother and sister to watch over her. It is a moment of faith and humility that is beautifully performed and captured. Only befitting that a miracle would follow.