This is an independent film, written and directed by a first time writer/Director using mostly inexperienced film actors. Knowing that, here is my breakdown to help set your expectations accordingly.
Good:
-The setting is stunning
-Decent videography
-Evie's character. Don't come for me, people. She kind of reminds me of how my neurodivergent daughter would be in a post-apocalyptic world with debilitating PTSD. That's how I explained her bizarre decision making skills to myself. And she was the only character that grew in the story. The first time film actress does a decent job with the character, given the script.
The bad:
-The plot and script. Also, the trailer does not match the film in any way. I was perpetually confused. Are we in Mexico? Oregon? What war? This seems like standard Walking Dead fare until 25 minutes before it ended. The movie just goes off the rails. It felt like the writer was writing it as they were filming it. At no point did I know what direction the movie was going.
-The editing didn't help. They cut from one truck driving down the road to a driver but they weren't driving that vehicle. The overlaid music/sounds are so much louder than the dialogue at some points.
-The length of the film is off compared to other films of the genre. But I assume they had to cut more than expected. It seemed a lot longer than it was due to my constant state of confusion. I could never relax and just enjoy the film.
-The movie poster art is pretty good. But I think it gives the impression that this is a blockbuster film by a major production company. There creates a mismatch that helps fuel unrealistic expectations.
