It's almost a real-life Wake in Fright as Finnish backpackers Lina and Steph walk into a roiling testosterone maelstrom in a Coolgardie pub.

Even before they board the train out of Perth there are certain warning signs: director Pete Gleeson, his camera ensconced in the recruiting agency that sent them out on the bartending gig, films a recruiter telling them "You have to be the kind of girls who are OK to have male attention and act really sweet".

Lina and Steph, the two Finnish backpackers followed in Hotel Coolgardie.

But nothing could really prepare them for their boss being so verbally abusive and demeaning. Or for the relentless tide of sexual advances from heavy-drinking, sex-starved regulars – some of whom seem to think that talking about their own violence or their bitterness towards their former partners will somehow enhance their appeal.

After several exhausting weeks one terribly sad event is followed by an even sadder one, ending the whole uncomfortable but necessary film on a huge downer.