The Road

Somewhere in the nearish future, we witness the end of the days of man. A boy and father travel, we later discover south to find the sea. The movie is directed by John Hillcoat while the screenplay is based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy. Both the director's previous movies, including the very dark Proposition and the screenplay by the same source as "No Country For Old Men", you will understand that the movie is dark! Viggo Mortensen give a world class performance. It's interesting to see his method style as compared to other actors such as Cherize Theron in various scenes. Viggo's son, although acts reasonably well, does get a bit whiny at times. I would imagine that the shock of travelling 1 year in a post-apocalyptic wasteland suffering from malnutrition, thirst, thieves and cannibals that he might have been a little more mature. Still. The movie is more about personal relationships and the interaction between father and son. We get occasional flashbacks that do not detract from the main story, nor do they give solid answers.

The main threat is from humanity's own self. Once there is no moral check in place, humans will turn on each-other to survive. The Son continually asks, "Are we good"?

As the movie continues, we are left to believe there is little or no charity left in Viggo or fellow man in general. Many invites from other humans is a way to lure you, probably to your own death. One very dark scene, sees our protagonists stumbling into, what could only likened to human cattle enslavement, for later cannibalism.

Although one could already predict the ending to a degree, we are left similarly with an open ending. The movie doesn't finish quickly to titles like No Country for Old Men, but do not expect an interpretable resolution.

We do witness hope in the Son and perhaps with Viggo's performance near the end. The introduction of Guy Pearce's playing Final Man is interesting.

Recommended for a more thoughtful night in. The major faults are probably with the daft notions that Viggo could not find any more gun ammo or other weapons, nor taught his son how to defend himself. Additionally the scene with the son falling asleep while Viggo investigates a ship is a bit lame.

I recommend the movie. It's a lot more enjoyable than other similar post apocalyptic movies. We don't have voice overs for those without wit to work out the plot. Despite some daft holes and scenes, the overall movie is very good. The relationship between father and son is very strong and believable. You won't feel robbed hiring this one out, but only if you want a mystery/drama. There's not a huge amount of action!