H
This is a gripping story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world, filled with intense performances and a harrowing depiction of the breakdown of law and order in real-time. Unlike other works in this genre, it does not lead to complete chaos and instead portrays the disturbing yet believable and urgent process of society adapting to disaster and devastation. There is a downward spiral, but a glimmer of hope for rebirth is still possible.
Compared to the American post-apocalyptic setting of John Hillcoat’s film The Road and the European apocalypse depicted in Michael Haneke’s Time of the Wolf, this movie presents a distinctly British world on the brink of destruction. This is due to the fact that a large portion of the population is unarmed. The director, Mahalia Belo, making her debut, and screenwriter Alice Birch, who adapted the novel by Megan Hunter, may have drawn inspiration from the BBC TV show Survivors from the 1970s. The film’s portrayal of climate change and the vulnerability of low-lying British cities, situated near rivers and waterways that will ultimately consume them, is particularly relevant in today’s world. Many people tend to think of the consequences of climate disaster in abstract terms and fail to understand that it involves actual disasters like fire and flooding.
Jodie Comer portrays a smart and resilient pregnant woman in London, supported by her partner Joel Fry. The film opens with a darkly humorous moment as her water breaks during a heavy rain that quickly turns into a disaster. Despite giving birth in a chaotic hospital and navigating through riot-filled streets to get home, she remains calm. This is due to the fact that having a baby for the first time is such a monumental change that the chaos around her hardly registers.
Fry’s fatherly figure is affable and laid-back, jokingly suggesting names for their newborn in a world flooded with water: Noah and Bob. However, feeling empty and out of ideas, they ultimately name the baby “Zeb”. The couple seek refuge with Fry’s parents (played by Mark Strong and Nina Sosanya) who live in the countryside with a stash of food. But as the supplies dwindle, they are forced to venture into the lawless countryside to find government shelters that are now occupied by violent and desperate mobs. Comer must fight to keep herself and her baby alive in this lonely battle for survival.
This movie is a combination of a road trip and a journey, with excellent performances from Katherine Waterston, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Gina McKee. Their acting elevates the intelligence of the film, although I was uncertain about the softer flashbacks that reveal the start of the main character’s romantic relationship. Comer’s portrayal of vulnerability and idealism feels genuine, as does her determination and occasional ruthlessness. In a moment, she becomes one of the intimidating individuals encountered on the road, without showing much remorse afterwards. She carries herself with effortless strength and grace.
Source: theguardian.com
