Z for Zachariah (2015) User Reviews

What happened to the Dog?

[limoconsultant · 6/10 · 13 March 2019]

What happened to the Dog?

1/2 way in-the dog who is a prime character - Ann's only support mechanism other than the church

The dog disappears from the plotline and never shows up again - not laying on a rug by the fire strolling down the lane - nuth'n

Caleb appears they take him home and the dog is never shown again

It could be better.

[Vikingbyheart · 6/10 · 12 July 2016]

Science fiction movies have always aroused interest of directors and screenwriters and whetted the imagination of people. Z for Zachariah, based on the homonymous book by Robert C. O'Brien and directed by Craig Zobel, is a typical post-apocalyptic movie (to quote a recent film in that style we have the great The Survivalist - 2015) which focuses on drama and interpersonal relationships. Ann Burden (Margot Robbie, known for The Wolf of Wall Street - 2013) is a young woman who survived a nuclear disaster, which devastated almost the entire planet, in one of the only places not affected by the radiation: her family's farm. She lived alone with her dog Faro until the appearance of the scientist John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor, known for 12 Years a Slave - 2013), which had managed to resist the tragedy thanks to its special costume. An affinity and a bond are established between them, but the arrival of another survivor, the mysterious Caleb (Chris Pine, known for the films Star Trek - 2009 and Star Trek Into Darkness - 2013), threatens the relationship between John and Ann and shatters the harmony of the place.

The pace of the film is slow, focused on drama and the internal conflicts of the three characters. Instead of external threats and great action scenes or destruction, the plot deals with the complexities of the human mind, such as game of interests, distrust, fear of being alone and people's different reactions when subjected to extreme situations. Thus, the success of this type of narrative depends on tension and suspense created by the script coupled to casting and director's skills.

The performances, by the way, left absolutely nothing to be desired. Chiwetel Ejiofor hands on all duality of his character, John, which is intelligent and skeptical, but at the same time, possessive and keeps some secrets. Margot Robbie embodies the role of Ann, a humble girl, religious, sweet and naive, which is vulnerable by the inexperience of life and the fear of loneliness. Chris Pine completes the cast of confused personalities with the mysterious and manipulative Caleb, who brings with him a dark past.

The photograph, taken with long shots to explore the beautiful nature of the region, and the good soundtrack are positive features in the movie. But small failures in script and direction eventually delivered a smaller film than it could be. The dialogues and the atmosphere of tension and conflict between the characters should be better developed, especially in the third act. There is a visible continuity error in the movie: Ann's dog simply vanish after Caleb's arrival, with no explanation at all. The end, built ambitiously to enable viewer's reflection and imagination, leave some loose ends which causes the feeling that a few scenes lacked depth. After all, Z for Zachariah creates tension and drama in some moments, besides having great performances.

Originally posted in: https://vikingbyheart.blogspot.com.br

A fascinating study of humanity in its most basic form

[themadmovieman · 7/10 · 26 September 2015]

This is probably the quietest and most understated post-apocalyptic movies you'll ever see, but deep down, it is truly fascinating. With great performances, impressive directing and an intriguing plot, this film is massively engrossing and surprisingly simple to understand from start to finish.

First things first, however, this isn't a sci-fi in any way. The setting is in the post-apocalypse world, however that bears pretty much no relevance to the development of the plot as a whole, it's just a background to put these three characters together in a more desperate and dramatic situation.

Instead, this is more of an indie romantic drama, so be warned, sci- fi fans, there's nothing here for you if you're just looking for something exciting and action-packed.

What this actually is is a fascinating study of humans in their most basic state: survival and animalistic desires, relating itself almost to Adam and Eve and biblical theory.

Therefore, the most captivating part of this film is the relationships that develop between the three main characters, as each of the men gets closer to Margot Robbie's character, tensions begin to rise and a clash becomes inevitable, however watching these people act in such a basic way, driven by their pure desire for procreation, is hugely fascinating throughout, and at times even thrilling.

What really helps that to be so is the performances. Margot Robbie, in the female lead, is okay. It's not a stunning performance in any way, but her character isn't really the most interesting, as apart from her devout Christianity, she's only really there to set the spark off between the two men.

As a result, it's Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine that are most impressive. Pine plays a slightly smaller role, but successfully asserts his position within the trio and causes huge complications that turn Chiwetel Ejiofor's character into the most interesting. Ejiofor's performance perfectly conveys his character's natural frustration and desperation in this situation, and that makes him absolutely brilliant to watch.

Finally, something's got to be said about the directing here. Instead of fitting in in a long line of post-apocalyptic movies, this film, thanks to director Craig Zobel, doesn't feel cold and as if there is some intense impending danger, but the lush nature of the landscape that the film is shot against and the clear serenity of the environment makes this a much warmer and calmer film that makes it all the more pleasant and engaging to watch.

Did not think I would be so impressed, but it was very intelligently done

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 29 August 2015]

New Zealand must be a beautiful country. I've never seen a movie filmed there that was not.

It's a not so ironic setting for a movie about the end of the world, as the film focuses on the emotions of three survivors of the apocalypse instead of the apocalypse itself. A good Christian woman left behind by her family who went to help others. A man of science looking to move forward and rebuilt, and the all-American heart throb who rains on the parade.

Chiwetel Ejiofor gave a compelling performance. it was so real, I think the majority of us would understand what he's going through. I was shocked by how outstanding Chris Pine was in this movie, just perfect. Margot Robbie was amazing as well, just a solid piece of acting by all.

It made for the perfect emotional love triangle. Even though only three people appear in this movie, it said so much about us as a society. I love sci-fi and I want to count this as one of the great Sci-fi stories ever told from beginning to end, and the outcome leads an interesting taste in my mouth.

It was a fantastic 97mins at the movies.

Two guys and a girl... with a sci-fi twist

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 29 August 2015]

"Z For Zachariah" (2015 release; 95 min.) brings the story of a couple of survivors of an unidentified contamination or radiation. As the movie opens, we see someone with a protective mask going through an empty town to pick up various things, including books from the library. When later the person takes off the mask, we see it is a young woman, named Ann. Ann and her dog live on their own, tending to the land and surviving as best they can. Then Ann runs into another survivor, a man named John. When John inadvertently takes a swim in a contaminated lake, he becomes very ill. Ann takes him home and nurtures him back to health. At this point we are 15 minutes into the movie, but to tell you much more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: first, the movie's end titles say that the is "Based on the book by Robert O'Brien", but it would have been better to have said "very loosely based on/inspired by Robert O'Brian's book", as the plot for this film version differs dramatically and almost unrecognizably from the 1974 book. Since it is featured openly in the movie's trailer, besides Ann and John (the two characters in the book), the movie introduces a third character, Caleb. Second, while the setting of the movie is post-apocalyptic, the movie really doesn't feel all that much sci-fi. It's just three characters playing out their lives in an unspecified location somewhere in the US. In fact, the movie feels just as much being a Nicolas Sparks-like romantic drama than it is a sci-fi movie. Other elements featured in the movie include religion, and race. Third, the acting performances are strong. Up-and-coming Aussie actress Margo Robbie (also in The Wolf of Wall Street) does great work. She is definitely going places, that much is clear. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine play John and Caleb, respectively. Fourth, the movie was mostly shot on location in New Zealand, with some additional shooting in West Virginia. Gorgeous sceneries most of the time. Last but certainly not least, there is a very nice orchestral score, composed by Heather "The Instruments" McIntosh.

I had been looking forward to seeing this movie, and it finally opened this weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The matinée screening where I saw this at was attended okay but not great. If you are in the mood for a romantic drama with a slight sci-fi twist, you'll definitely want to check this out. On the other hand, if you read and loved the book, you will absolutely want to avoid this.

Strong, ambitious work

[Red_Identity · 4 January 2016]

I was a big fan of Margot Robbie's work in The Wolf of Wall Street. I thought it was a fun, charismatic, electric turn, but I wasn't necessarily sure if that meant that she was an actual, capable dramatic actress. This really proves that she's one to watch out for. Although all three performers deliver some strong work, it's her moving, resonant performance that really stuck with me. I kept hearing a lot of negativity towards this film's ending and so I was sure it would be something out of left field, some turn or twist or something. It wasn't really any of that, and I actually loved the ending. It was semi-ambiguous, although not really, and the last scene was just pure magic and worked to conclude the film, beautifully. Definitely a very underrated, underseen film that I wish I had heard about before.

Z for Zachariah

[henry8-3 · 6/10 · 12 April 2021]

Margot Robbie lives alone in an isolated safe area following some form of epic destruction killing the population of the planet. She finds she is not alone when she comes across a weak Chiwetel Ejiofor. Using his engineering skills they start to build a life together and affection grows but this is put to the test when a third traveller - Chris Pine arrives.

Very gentle, believable love triangle tale set against a background of rebuilding lives in a post apocalyptic environment. There are no zombies etc, just a quiet interplay between the 3 and an interesting look at the physical and emotional challenges this world would bring. All three give good performances, especially Robbie, although I rather wished Pine had articulated a bit more.

So much potential but a let down

[joannemarkus · 3/10 · 2 September 2015]

I was looking forward to watching this movie because I read some reviews that said it was great. However I was left feeling VERY disappointed. This movie had SO much potential and yet left me at the end asking myself, "why did I just waste my time watching it". It was slow, drawn out and downright boring at times. I wanted to like the characters but I never really felt like I 'knew' them. When the movie ended without any real answers.....ugh! The credits rolled and I couldn't believe that was it! I would not recommend this movie to anyone and I'm upset that I paid $6.99 On-Demand for it based on the other reviews.

Great - Seamless editing

[dalysimon · 7/10 · 1 September 2015]

I'm always a little shocked after watching the movie, reviewing the DVD cover art. I'm reminded of the 'Wild Things' the Pseudo-sexual melodrama type flick.

This is not that. Its a very watchable simple and interesting take on relationships among 3 people after an apocalyptic event.

Margo Robbie is as always stunning, and I don't mean her looks. It's so easy to categorize her as another Hollywood starlet because of her looks. The truth is - took me most of the movie to recognize her. She is a consistent standout performer in what she does. Chiwetel Ejiofor, easy to recognize - because of another flawless performance, he always manages to understate the situation leaving the audience that little bit of self understanding to make up the rest.

The other guy was good too. Chris Pine probably the most bankable asset on the movie, actually stood his ground and was a balanced foil, to manage the drama. Forgive my chagrin, I am still smarting over the Cinderella movie.

Simple script, simple story well told. Thank god it was totally free of the god awful melodrama the artwork suggests. But it drags you in, thanks to excellent character development.

Good work all round, total package nice movie. No worries.

A science fiction without much fiction, an erotically charged tale without eroticism and a pseudo-emotional story.

[peterp-450-298716 · 4/10 · 18 September 2015]

"It's about... rebuilding. Maybe God... or your father... put this here for us. So we can... we can start again. Maybe that's why we're here... Just to start again."

The future prospects of our beloved world looks rather bleak, judging by the post-apocalyptic films of recent years. The endless series of disaster scenarios doesn't bode well. "The Maze Runner", "Divergent," "Mad Max," "Oblivion," "The Hunger Games", "Snowpiercer", "Automata", "How I live now", "World War Z", "The Well" ... they all show a society that recovers on the ruins of a previous calamity. Similarly, "Z for Zachariah". You won't get a real explanation about the incident that led to a general extermination of our society. Reference is made to radioactivity and emerging nausea caused by polluted water. From this you can deduce that there might have been a nuclear war or accident in the past. But otherwise it is pure guesswork.

It all started in an interesting way. A sober story with a sole survivor in a fertile valley (a "Garden of Eden" as it were), that was spared from the global holocaust one way or another. But this soberness gradually morphed into dullness. The emphasis gradually shifted from the apocalypse that took place in the world, to the complex, apocalyptic emotional world of a few surviving individuals. A love triangle is formed with reconstruction, religion, racial discrimination and jealousy as central themes. The fact that in all probability the world population was wiped out by a disaster, is relegated to the background and is only mentioned briefly afterwards as if it's irrelevant. What remains is an ordinary but complicated love story.

I came across the following perspicacious summary : "Z for Zachariah is a sex movie with a science-fiction coating and barely any sex.". It can easily be added to the list where films such as "The Boy" and "Manglehorn" appear in. Painfully slow films. What remains are the acting performances. An advantage (and maybe disadvantage at the same time) are the number of main characters. It's limited to three. Margot Robbie as the devout, farmer's daughter Ann Burden, who can drive a tractor to work the land without any problem but on the other hand feels rather inconvenient when it comes to intimate relations with someone of the male gender. Margot Robbie is a ravishing appearance as seen in "Focus", "Suite française", "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "About time". Despite her fairly pathetic and bigoted look in this film, her natural beauty is still striking. She's joined by Chiwetel "12 Years a Slave" Ejiofor as the scientist John Loomis who is being rescued from a certain death by Ann after taking a refreshing bath in a toxic pond. The group is completed with Chris Pine as the not so bad-looking miner Caleb. He thwarts John's plans to re-populate the planet thoroughly.

This film is based on the novella by Robert C. O'Brien from 1974. I myself haven't read it and allegedly the film isn't really consistent with the book. For example, there would be no question of a third person. Knowing this, I think I'll let this book pass me, for even three people can't ensure that there's an intriguing, fascinating story. Let alone two. "Z for Zachariah" is a science fiction without much fiction, an erotically charged tale without eroticism and a pseudo-emotional story. Despite the nuclear disaster, the chemistry between the characters was hard to find.

More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT

A very boring film

[Gordon-11 · 4 September 2015]

This film tells the story of a woman trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world. She meets another survivor and form a strong bond, but this changes when a third survivor arrives onto the scene. Jealousy and rivalry takes over the struggle to stay alive.

"Z for Zachariah" seems like an intense drama on paper, but I found it very boring. There's little dialogue as there are only the characters. As a result, very little events happen, making it dull and non engaging. The behaviour if the characters are subdued and restrained, while events in the film are presented in a matter of fact manner, with no suspense or thrill. There were times when I really struggled to keep my eyes open, and I had urges to take a cup of coffee to stay awake! In the end I did stay awake, and the story didn't get any better. It's been a long time since I watched such a boring film.

Ignore the Reviewers With ADD

[reymunpadilla · 7/10 · 25 December 2023]

Almost every bad review comes from someone expecting another Transformers or superhero fight film instead of actual sci fi.

This is a remake of The World The Flesh and The Devil, a great early sci fi from the 50s. And like the original, it's low budget and more of a character study with disturbing implications about society now, pre apocalypse.

In the original, the white woman simply can't be with a Blackman. Even after the end of the world, it just isn't done, is completely forbidden. In this film, the divide and the taboos are as much based on class, education, and religion as on race.

So don't let bad reviews from those demanding explosions and gore, or better yet exploding gore, or they find it "boring," deter you. If you want good script, dialog, intelligence, and a story heavy on Biblical symbolism, this is it. And I'll bet the whining reviewers were too dense to even catch the heavy Christian symbolism.

I didn't know Robbie...

[Blumanowar · 7/10 · 17 June 2021]

I don't know Robbie was such a great actress, I knew she was very good but to see her play a different type of character I was really impressed! Good flick, kind of a let down on ending...thought it might be more exciting. But a good flick.

Underrated and thought-provoking

[katibrasti · 7/10 · 10 October 2015]

I think the film hasn't been treated fairly by the reviewers here. I am not saying it's a masterpiece, however it's a decent piece of film-making. The cast has been chosen very carefully and the chemistry between the actors is absolutely stunning. Ejiofor clearly stands out for his portrayal of the troubled scientist who struggles between nobility and vulgarity, but Pine also does a great job as enigmatic and sensual Caleb. In my opinion however, the most complicated character is that of Robbie, her motivations are in my opinion the most obscure and her reactions the most contradictory of all three. The actress's performance is correspondingly nuanced.

The plot is admittedly thin and the pace is at times painfully slow. On the other hand, it explores humanity, desire and survival instinct in its most basic and unadorned form and it does so remarkably. I won't mention the breathtaking landscape and photography, although it clearly adds to the films allure. Don't be put off by the mediocre reviews and give it a try.

Interesting Look at Human Nature

[Cathex · 6/10 · 14 October 2015]

This film was not the best in terms of suspense, thrills or any of the usual excitements audiences have come to expect from films these days. But that being said, it certainly wasn't bad and that's why I like it.

It didn't fit into good guy/bad guy conventions, it didn't give us what we want in terms of a romance and nor did it fulfil our expectations of drama. But it didn't do it out of being inept, it did it on purpose. The film refuses to be conventional and for that purpose it succeeds quite well.

In the end this movie is a bleak but honest look at human nature. No-one is completely innocent, nor completely to blame and that being said you definitely can't call this movie unoriginal. In addition it's very well scripted, well acted and well directed although the direction, like the film itself, is neither here nor there.

However, perhaps precisely because the film is so no-committed in some respects, it doesn't really leave a lasting impression and it certainly wont be rocking any boats. It's kind of like a nice big meal of sweet and sour chicken but without the sweet and sour sauce, if you know what I mean.

'This man could be anything'

[gradyharp · 6/10 · 23 July 2016]

Nissar Modi wrote the screenplay, altering much of the original novel by Robert C. O'Brien, and gave it to young Craig Zobel to direct his small 3 person cast in Iceland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the USA. The result is a tiny Indie film that despite a cast of three fine actors the movie never quite gets off the ground.

First the synopsis: 'In the wake of a nuclear war, a young woman Ann Burden (Margot Robbie) survives on her own, fearing she may actually be the proverbial last woman on earth, until she discovers the most astonishing sight of her life: another human being John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor). A distraught scientist, he's nearly been driven mad by radiation exposure and his desperate search for others. A fragile, imperative strand of trust connects them. But when a stranger Caleb (Chris Pine) enters the valley, their precarious bond begins to unravel into an emotionally charged love triangle as the last known survivors.'

We wonder how landscape so beautiful and fertile in the scenes where the trio relates could be so perfect if indeed there has been a nuclear war that destroyed everyone on the planet. But gradually interrelationships occur, a plan is made by Loomis to build a waterwheel to create electricity and Caleb aids his efforts. Loomis remains an enigma throughout, Caleb brings a little sense to the story, and Ann just adjusts day by day. Though we know how the triad likely ends we are not allowed the reasoning. The movie just sort of stops.

One aspect that makes the movie one of note is looking at the very possible concept of the end of the world in a less climactic way than the superheroes would play it. There are some lessons here – some subtle, most not.

There's a solid 30-40 minutes in here and Ejiofor is great, but the rest is an aimless snooze

[luke-a-mcgowan · 5/10 · 4 September 2015]

Z for Zachariah is the least conventional end-of-the-world film I've ever seen, and for the most part, I cannot figure out what to make of it. For the entire first half, it can't really figure out what it wants to do. There's no real story as Anne (Robbie) and John (Ejiofor), two separate survivors of a nuclear holocaust, meet and Anne nurses John back to health. Until Ejiofor is back on his feet, the film is relatively aimless as the director cuts between various shots of the valley and Robbie completing various chores. Even in the wider scheme of things, not much happens here - the film's plot is not much beyond building a water wheel while the characters interact around it.

As they talk, we gather how much they are worlds apart - John is an older, black man of science who relishes in typical vices and Anne is a young, pure, white Christian girl whose never touched drink and likely never looked at a man. John wants Anne, but is conscious of their differences, so when the script sweeps them together, John gently pushes back and says that they can take their time. After all, there's no competition.

But then there is. The mysterious and exceedingly polite Caleb appears in the valley out of nowhere, and he's everything John is not - he's a young white Christian boy who couldn't be more Anne's type if he tried. Here is where the film gets gripping. Director Craig Zerbel builds tension with a beautiful score, but this film is completely about the acting. Robbie dials back her supermodel good looks as best she can to play a plain-spoken country girl whose naivety is central to these two older men. Pine is unreadable and somewhat alluring, and his chemistry with Robbie is so off the charts that in one particular scene, I expected them to just start making out - despite John's presence in their midst.

Ejiofor is the only reason I watched this movie, and he's the best part. This doesn't scratch his performance in 12 Years A Slave, but he had me sold from his first screams of joy. His delirium and drunkeness are incredibly believable. He can convey so much emotion without even trying - jealousy as Anne and Caleb share smouldering glances, embaressment as his jokes of repopulation go over the naive Anne's head, rage and hurt as he gives a half-hearted blessing to what he feels is inevitable, and naked honesty as he speaks about an earth- shattering revelation. Tiny mannerisms in his performance make his third wheel status not only believable but completely uncomfortable, and as a result, makes John the most empathetic character.

The script is nothing special, but there is one reveal from John to Anne that actually made me drop what I was holding. Kudos all around. There's some beautiful mindgames between John and Caleb, with Caleb clearly outpacing John, who is clearly unaware of how to play this game. You just know that Caleb was wooing the local girls at school while John was in the library studying. When Caleb notes that something isn't in John's character, I completely agreed - because the characters created are so deep that I understood them intimately.

However, that goodwill cannot erase the aimlessness that permeates the first half of the film, and what did exist was lost to me when the film ends. The final ten minutes were completely out of context and gave almost no closure on any issue. The rivalry between John and Caleb is left hanging, with one outcome implied but then the opposite suggested as the truth. It felt like the screenwriter was told "pens down" and then hastily crammed together a few words while the teachers were collecting the papers. Considering the direction Z for Zachariah was going, to end so badly was the final blow in a film that had far tested my patience already. 95 minutes? Doesn't feel like it.

Creative Post-Apocalyptic Take

[warevjensen · 8/10 · 31 January 2015]

Just saw this movie at Sundance and thoroughly enjoyed it. While certainly not perfect, the film was beautifully shot, scored, and directed. As a post-apocalyptic film, it took a unique take on what was essentially a small group of survivors after nuclear fallout. However, instead of focusing on the apocalyptic elements themselves, it focused on the human drama that resulted and the emotional responses to this extreme sort of isolation.

I had essentially no expectations coming into the film and found myself completely invested in the storyline, which develops methodically but beautifully. The writing hits all the turning points within each character's development at just the right time, with just enough delicacy. In turn, the actors all delivered superb performances.

I had only seen Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street previously, and I was highly impressed by her perhaps more subtle turn here. I thought she did a wonderful job of portraying a woman trying to preserve her faith and even innocence in trying circumstances. Likewise, Chiwetel Ejiofor portrayed his character's shortcomings in an extremely relatable, human way.

Chris Pine's introduction into the film basically becomes the linchpin for the majority of the rest of the movie's tension, and Pine's typical suave-ness does not disappoint. Ultimately, a story of jealousy, desire, and necessity emerges, with the sense of isolation and loneliness prevailing, with an ending that leaves you thinking afterwards. 8/10.

A Quiet Place

[richardchatten · 7/10 · 24 January 2022]

Margot Robbie sports a pore white trash accent and a baseball cap in this lugubrious post-apocalyptic drama resembling a less brutal remake of 'The World, the Flesh and the Devil' for the 21st Century transposed from New York to the Bible Belt with a lot of hushed talk, some of it God talk.

Complete garbage. The only thing similar between the book and the movie is the title.

[michael-21328 · 1/10 · 26 March 2016]

I love the book. I read it a dozen times a year. It's my favorite. When I heard they were making a movie I was super excited.

Less than 5 minutes in I could tell the movie had departed from the book just like the space shuttle departs earth.

It's almost like they had filmed the hobbit in downtown New York City.

I struggled to keep watching until the third person came in. It was too much to bare.

The disc and the box are now at the bottom of my garbage bin. It's not even worthy of being in the recycle bin.

Don't buy this movie. It's garbage.

Thoughtful, slow moving

[okpilak · 7/10 · 11 October 2022]

At the start, one sees a town that seems totally desolate, and in it a small figure, clothed in protective gear. It is Ann and she has gone there to collect things. Once she got high above the town, she can remove the protection, as where she is living is somehow protected from the disaster that befell. The rest of the people around here left, trying to find safety elsewhere, and she is alone. While out hunting, her dog runs away, and finds John, in a safety suit, dragging a large cart. He was in a bunker far underground, and left and together they start assembling a path forward. John is Black, but Ann is not. It is a slow moving story, pensive, and explores going forward. His being there gives Ann a reason to continue. John takes things slow in their relationship, and later along comes Caleb, from a neighboring area. That changes the dynamic completely. This is not an action film, nor one of a dystopian future.

A decent plot ending ruined it

[ankitsharma-08371 · 6/10 · 3 September 2021]

I liked the concept and it was good but that unnecessary plot twist at the end just ruined the movie for me.

A gorgeous, gentle film - low on action but has plenty of heart.

[thekarmicnomad · 7/10 · 20 September 2016]

The world is covered in radioactive ash and the dregs of humanity fight cockroaches over the last tins of spam. But that is happening beyond the isolated, wooded valley we find ourselves. Ann is living here well, but quite miserably until one day a guy in a radioactive suit appears to cheer her up.

What follows is the story of them rebuilding their lives and their relationship blossoms. As PA films go these guys have it very easy - do not expect giant scorpions or raiders with necklaces of human ears.

One day another guy does turn up. Everyone goes out their way to be amicable - but three is a crowd.

I enjoyed this movie, it is slow with very little action and the Post Apocalyptic theme is pushed way into the background.

All the characters are essentially good people and try their best. This was very refreshing.

What give the film plausibility and appeal is Margot Robbie. She is absolutely gorgeous! She squeezes every ounce out of her performance as naive Southern Belle. To the point that part of me did think the world ending wouldn't be so bad if I was stuck on Walton's mountain with her.

Good acting and characters all around, good production. The only snag is the ending - a little abrupt and unfulfilling.

"It took you, to make me realize that"

[shaunsimdb · 9/10 · 16 September 2015]

It must be stated that this movie's User Rating of 6.1 and Metascore of 68 do not do it any justice. As the rating are usually a pretty fair indicator of a movies quality, I went in expecting a decent movie but perhaps nothing exceptional. Now, after having watched it, I am happy to report that it far surpassed my initial expectations.

First and foremost the acting in this movie is superb. Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave, gives an absolutely spectacular performance (again). He is rapidly becoming one of my favorite actors to date. He has moments of beautiful reserve but you can always feel the fire brewing down inside. Awesome, just awesome stuff. Margot Robbie, The Wolf of Wallstreet, sheds the Brooklyn accent and personality and absolutely shines as the shy southern beauty in this film. She too is rapidly showing her wonderful acting chops and presenting herself as a force to be reckoned with. She makes a seamless transition from a supporting role in Wolf, to starring opposite Chiwetel here. The icing on the cake in this film is Chris Pine's performance. He shows that he is much more than a dreamy Captain Kirk in the Star Trek reboots. This is by far my favorite performance of his. It just feels human. kudos.

The direction was beautiful. While this movie is technically considered Sci-Fi, Mr. Zobel does an outstanding job making this into a character study. He balances the actors performances beautifully and the film is a perfectly trimmed piece of lean meat. Not once does it drag or feel rushed. The characters and story develop organically and its a mesmerizing thing to follow. The cinematography by Tim Orr also needs mentioning. Orr captures some enchanting nature shots that really play nicely into the story.

Beyond all the obvious technical triumphs of this film, I think that perhaps my favorite part may be the sheer depth of the story. I'll avoid specifics on the plot, as I don't want to risk throwing out any spoilers but its suffice to say that this certainly is not a run of the mill love story. There are a lot of religious elements, a lot of nature and mankind talking points, and philosophical debates that will leave you thinking long after the credits role. Overall, I was more than pleasantly surprised by this wonderful film. I would absolutely recommend it.

stripped down

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 5 August 2017]

Preacher's daughter Ann Burden (Margot Robbie) survives a nuclear apocalypse alone with her dog. Her family had left to search for other survivors. She scavenges supplies from the nearby abandoned town. One day, she encounters John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor). He gets sick from contaminated water and she nurses him back to health. There is tension especially with her religious beliefs but they grow closer. Then, another stranger named Caleb (Chris Pine) appears out of nowhere.

Robbie is the it girl right now although her role would be played more effective by a more mousy, quiet actor. She needs to be a plain tomboy and possibly rougher. She doesn't seem to be doing any specific accent which leaves the location unknown. The stripped down plot is effective. It's a slow start and needs a better way to pull in the audience. It should follow Loomis at the start as he escapes the devastation. That would be compelling although it may be beyond the no-budget production. Once the triangle is formed at midway, the movie picks up a little steam. It's an apocalyptic movie not for the usual fans.