Ever walk into a room and feel like you just missed a conversation? That’s the vibe of Opal Dream, better known to book lovers by its original title, the Pobby and Dingan movie. Released in 2006, it’s a strange, dusty, and deeply emotional film that most people haven't even heard of. Honestly, that’s a tragedy. It’s based on Ben Rice’s novella, and it captures a specific kind of childhood magic—and grief—that usually gets flattened by big-budget Hollywood studios.
The story takes place in Coober Pedy, Australia. If you haven't seen it, the place looks like the surface of the moon. People live underground because it's too hot to survive on the surface. They’re all obsessed with finding opals. It’s a town built on dreams and dirt.
What Actually Happens in the Pobby and Dingan Movie?
At the center of it all is Kellyanne Williamson. She’s nine. She has two best friends, Pobby and Dingan. The catch? They’re invisible. Totally imaginary. Pobby has a limp and a wooden leg; Dingan is "real pretty." Most kids have imaginary friends, but Kellyanne takes it to another level. She won’t eat without them. She won’t go anywhere without them.
Basically, her dad, Rex (played by Vince Colosimo), gets tired of the constant "watch out for Pobby!" routine. One day, he tells Kellyanne he’s taking the invisible duo to the mine with him so she can go to a party. When he comes back, he "forgets" them.
Then things get dark.
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Kellyanne doesn't just get sad. She gets physically ill. She starts fading away because her world has lost its anchors. It’s a literal manifestation of heartbreak. Her brother, Ashmol, who spent the first half of the movie making fun of her, suddenly has to step up. He decides that if the town can believe in invisible rocks hidden in the ground (opals), they can believe in two invisible kids.
Why the Name Change Matters
You’ll find this movie listed as Opal Dream in most places. Why? Marketing. Distributors probably thought Pobby and Dingan sounded too weird or too much like a cartoon. But the "Pobby and Dingan movie" title is what sticks with people who read the book. The novella by Ben Rice is a masterpiece of voice and rhythm. The film tries hard to keep that spirit, even if the title was polished for a "wider audience" that never really showed up.
The Reality of "Ratting" in Coober Pedy
One of the most intense parts of the film is when Rex is accused of being a "ratter." In the world of opal mining, a ratter is a thief who sneaks onto someone else’s claim to steal their gems. It’s the ultimate sin.
Rex gets caught on a neighbor's claim while he's actually—get this—searching for the imaginary friends to save his daughter. Nobody believes him. Why would they? "I was looking for my daughter's invisible friends" sounds like a terrible excuse for claim-jumping. This subplot adds a layer of adult brutality to what looks like a kids' movie. It’s about how a community turns on outsiders.
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- Director: Peter Cattaneo (the guy who did The Full Monty)
- Filming Location: Coober Pedy and Woomera, South Australia
- The Cast: Sapphire Boyce as Kellyanne and Christian Byers as Ashmol. These kids are incredible. They don't act like "movie kids." They act like siblings who actually kind of annoy each other.
The Ending That Changes Everything
There’s a bit of a controversy regarding the ending. In the original theatrical release, it’s a bit of a "fade to white" situation. It leaves things slightly ambiguous but mostly points toward a very sad conclusion. However, the uncut version that aired on the BBC later on is much more direct about Kellyanne's fate.
It’s a "tear-jerker," but not in a cheap way. It’s about the weight of belief. The town eventually comes together for a funeral for Pobby and Dingan. They bury empty space. It’s a weirdly beautiful scene because it’s the moment the adults finally stop being "realistic" and start being human.
Why You Should Watch It in 2026
We live in a world that’s increasingly cynical. Everything is data-driven. Everything has to be "real." The Pobby and Dingan movie argues that what we believe in matters more than what we can touch.
If you're looking for it today, search for Opal Dream. It’s often tucked away on streaming services like Amazon or available on old-school DVDs. It’s only about 85 minutes long, but it stays with you for weeks.
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One thing to keep in mind: it’s rated PG, but it’s heavy. There’s some language and some intense moments involving a shotgun. It's not a "sit the toddlers in front of the TV" kind of movie. It’s a "sit down and talk to your kids about what’s real" kind of movie.
If you're interested in stories about the Australian Outback or movies that deal with the thin line between imagination and reality, this is your next watch. You can find the original novella by Ben Rice if you want the "raw" version of the story first—it’s a quick read, maybe 100 pages, but it hits like a sledgehammer. After that, track down the film to see how they brought the shimmering heat of Coober Pedy to life. It’s worth the hunt.
Check your local library's digital catalog or specialized indie streaming platforms like MUBI or Kanopy, as they often cycle through international dramas like this one. If you’ve got a region-free DVD player, grabbing a physical copy from an Australian or UK seller is usually the most reliable way to see the director's preferred cut.