By Claire DuMont
Staff Writer
Z for Zachariah delivers with a simple, intelligent and thought-provoking plot. Quality acting paired with detailed writing provides life to powerful and complex characters. The intelligent writing seems plain but is full of intricate symbolism and thoughtful references that give the story meaning past the seemingly basic, and simple storyline. (50)
Z for Zachariah stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Margot Robbie and Chris Pine. It was directed by Craig Zobel, and written by Nissar Modi. It’s a film of the science fiction genre set in a dystopian, post apocalyptic world with love triangles, danger around every corner and awful situations for the characters. (50)
Based on the novel by Robert C. O’Brien, the film follows a group of survivors after an apocalypse. Ann Burden (Margot Robbie), spends her days surviving. After meeting survivor John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor), they fall in love. Feelings are challenged when miner Caleb (Chris Pine) takes an interest in Ann. (50)
The film rarely shows what happens in between scenes and does not offer thorough explanations for the character’s actions. This allows audience to have their own interpretation of the plot and more thought to be put into the film. When more thought is applied, it is more impactful and memorable. (50)
The actors bring the characters to life with intricate performances. Every emotion of the characters is felt deeper and stronger as a result of the perfected acting. Any struggle or victory from characters is felt by the audience. Their performances pushed the movie along and kept an engaging presence throughout. (50)
The writing of the film features symbolism that gives a simple story depth. In Ann’s library she has “A is for Adam” a book about Adam and Eve. Ann and John represent Adam and Eve and Caleb represents the snake. Without this symbolism, the film is basic, shallow and plain. (50)
Most dystopian films today follow a simple pattern, but Z for Zachariah breaks the mold. Many of the aspects of the film could be a cliche but it stays original. For example, the love triangle in the story is written with intellectual dialogue that makes it more thoughtful than most. (50)
Even at its short length, the film has no problem building tension. Mundane tasks such as survival projects are given meaning with the tense undertones of problems in the plot. In a seemingly plain scene with Loomis and Caleb working on a project, tension from the love triangle builds meaning. (50)
The writing of the film sparks intellectual questions about how the world would react in the situation. It is interesting to think about the possibility of the same scenarios such as a nuclear destruction or only a few humans on Earth. These questions make the film more riveting and engaging. (50)
With intelligent, writing, directing and acting, Z for Zachariah is definitely worth the money. However, audiences that do not enjoy intellectual, writing with a dynamic plot might not enjoy it. Z for Zachariah is playing in select theaters and is available on Amazon Instant Video to rent for $6.99. (50)
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