Matt Ravier of In Film Australia gave the film a negative review, noting "[t]he wrong-side-of-the-tracks film is an indie staple stateside. This Australian variant doesn’t succeed in updating the well-worn genre and seems happy to simply recycle the classic coming-of-age elements of more successful productions."[1] Margaret Pomeranz of ABC's At the Movies provided a more favourable reception concluding that it "may not be an easy film for audiences but for me it was a tremendously moving and rewarding experience."[2]
Box office
West grossed $57,472 at the box office in Australia.[3]