Northspur takes a straightforward every man quest, set in a post apocalyptic world, and imbues it with a real heart. It's a finely crafted film, beautifully shot, on a budget, that stays with you long after the final credits have rolled.
Kellan (Josh McKenzie) must locate medicine to save the life of his love Melinda (Delany Talbon). To this end he falls in with Summers (Marshal Napier), who agrees to supply the rare medicine in return for a favor. The pacifist Kellan must help to fight off waves of attackers, all intent on taking Summers down for their own reasons. An all out war ensues and the cabin the two men are holed up in becomes ground zero for a battle of epic proportions.
Northspur is engaging from the opening. It has shades of the original Mad Max all through it, only with more of a character based story. The relationship between the two men is key to the whole film, and Napier and McKenzie imbue both characters with just the right levels of humanity and desperation.
Delany Tabron is also a joy to watch. Melinda has just as much to deal with, harassed by a sinister home intruder and taking care of her neighbour's newly orphaned child, she portrays the terror of isolation with a relatable vulnerability.
The action sequences are punchy and brutal, but Northspur shows its real edge in the way it tackles some of the darker themes in the film. Most notably the effects of domestic violence and the legacy it leaves on survivors. It handles these scenes with a refreshing honesty, one that makes the story memorable.
A strong ensemble cast backs up the leads, with Michael Hurst, Gayle Haye and Nell Fisher the standouts. The cast is large, and would be easy to lose track of if they weren't so distinctive.
The scenery is stunning. It was shot on location in New Zealand and seeing the usual fantasy backdrops transferred into the grim world of a collapsed society is unique and gives the film a real identity.
Northspur entertains on so many levels. It takes you on an action packed ride that is both engaging and memorable.
Kellan (Josh McKenzie) must locate medicine to save the life of his love Melinda (Delany Talbon). To this end he falls in with Summers (Marshal Napier), who agrees to supply the rare medicine in return for a favor. The pacifist Kellan must help to fight off waves of attackers, all intent on taking Summers down for their own reasons. An all out war ensues and the cabin the two men are holed up in becomes ground zero for a battle of epic proportions.
Northspur is engaging from the opening. It has shades of the original Mad Max all through it, only with more of a character based story. The relationship between the two men is key to the whole film, and Napier and McKenzie imbue both characters with just the right levels of humanity and desperation.
Delany Tabron is also a joy to watch. Melinda has just as much to deal with, harassed by a sinister home intruder and taking care of her neighbour's newly orphaned child, she portrays the terror of isolation with a relatable vulnerability.
The action sequences are punchy and brutal, but Northspur shows its real edge in the way it tackles some of the darker themes in the film. Most notably the effects of domestic violence and the legacy it leaves on survivors. It handles these scenes with a refreshing honesty, one that makes the story memorable.
A strong ensemble cast backs up the leads, with Michael Hurst, Gayle Haye and Nell Fisher the standouts. The cast is large, and would be easy to lose track of if they weren't so distinctive.
The scenery is stunning. It was shot on location in New Zealand and seeing the usual fantasy backdrops transferred into the grim world of a collapsed society is unique and gives the film a real identity.
Northspur entertains on so many levels. It takes you on an action packed ride that is both engaging and memorable.