The Survivalist

IFC Midnight | Release Date: May 19, 2017

6.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 31 Ratings

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HotelCentralApr 19, 2018

I'm not sure who would really be into this film in a serious way except possibly right-wing neoCons who fantasize about the day when nothing matters except the power of guns and the ruthless determination to take whatever one needs toI'm not sure who would really be into this film in a serious way except possibly right-wing neoCons who fantasize about the day when nothing matters except the power of guns and the ruthless determination to take whatever one needs to survive, without regard to any inconveniences such as ethics or morals or laws.

The film runs for just over 100 minutes. It's relentlessly grim and so narrowly focused that the viewer gets no clue as to what has happened to the world or where civilization has gone, if indeed it has gone anywhere. Our main characters say so little that we learn virtually nothing about any of them, except that it's made clear that none of them are bothered much by the aforementioned lack of ethics, morals, or laws.

As post-apocalyptic films go, this isn't the worst I've seen, but there's nothing in any way supernatural to add spice to the brew. In fact my main complaint is that I spent most of the film waiting for something to happen. The plot is threadbare. The dialog would pose no disturbance inside a public library. There is an attempt to make the "Survivalist's" efforts to survive appear credible, but the efforts come up short. (For one thing, plan on planting a minimum of half an acre per person per year if you want to subsist by farming. The film shows us about 20 square feet or so hidden away in the middle of the woods and laughably describes this as "enough for one".)

If the title strikes you as interesting, then give the film a try. But don't expect it to be a happy event.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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auberginemojiAug 8, 2020

This film is well made, with great cinematography, direction, acting... all the stuff. My major issues with the movie is that, firstly, THERE ARE NO SCI-FI ELEMENTS WHATSOEVER. I have no idea why it is listed as a scifi/drama. There isThis film is well made, with great cinematography, direction, acting... all the stuff. My major issues with the movie is that, firstly, THERE ARE NO SCI-FI ELEMENTS WHATSOEVER. I have no idea why it is listed as a scifi/drama. There is nothing scifi about it. My second isssue is that i can not recommend anyone watch this movie. there isnt enough of an emotional core for me to care about any of the characters or the grim, brutal situations they are placed in. If you wanna watch a grim, brutal movie where you cannot help but become invested in the characters, I highly recommend The Nightingale.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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