The Survivalist (2015)

In a time of starvation, a survivalist lives off a small plot of land hidden deep in forest. When two women seeking food and shelter discover his farm, he finds his existence threatened.

Director:

Stephen Fingleton

Writer:

Stephen Fingleton

Stars:

Mia Goth, Martin McCann, Barry Ward

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Mia Goth	...	Milja
Martin McCann	...	Survivalist
Barry Ward	...	Forager
Andrew Simpson	...	Gaunt Man
Olwen Fouere	...	Kathryn
Kieri Kennedy	...	The woman in the photograph
Douglas Russell	...	The Snatcher
Ryan McParland	...	Leader of the Lost Boys
Michael Og Lane	...	Raider
Ciaran Flynn	...	Watchman
Hussina Raja	...	Watchwoman
Caitlin Deeds	...	Settler Woman
Dexter Louca Godfrey	...	Settlement Child
Jeremy Martin	...	Raider
Aran Downey	...	Raider

Storyline

In a kill-or-be-killed world where starvation is rife and strangers are always dangerous, The Survivalist lives off the grid, and by his wits. When a starving woman and her teenage daughter discover his forest refuge, his loneliness drives him to overcome his suspicion and strike a bargain with them in return for bed and board. But as desire becomes stronger than necessity, the exchange becomes an uneasy, ongoing arrangement which threatens not only his carefully constructed world but also his life.

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Plot Keywords:

forest | woods | survival | survivalism | famine | 

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 February 2016 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Survivalist

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fyzz Facility Film One, The, thefyzz

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was filmed in Antrim, Northern Ireland

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Connections

Follows Magpie (2014)

User Reviews

Surving - but alone

Some unknown disaster has struck the planet causing a severe food shortage, it's every man for himself. The title character is held up all on his own in the woods, subsiding on the meagre scraps he can grow and repels anyone who encroaches on his land.

Then a woman and her, rather plain looking daughter, show up asking to trade. The Survivalist, devoid of all human contact apart from the marauders he kills, cannot resist the pull of some female companionship.

This film has a very small stage, concentrating entirely on the three central characters. Dialogue is minimal but affective, the Survivalist is especially grumpy and non-communicative.

There is a lot of nudity, expect dong shots and people washing their bits in the river and some very grubby sex scenes.

The scope of the story is small but the stakes for the characters are high. It has a poke around at desperation and necessity. Would you pimp your daughter out for a bowl of soup? I suppose it wonders how hungry you are.

Well made, well acted, small budget but clever lighting makes it look gritty rather than cheap.

A very good, low octane watch.