The movie Remnants is one of those rare indie films that makes a big impression even though it was made on a little budget. The mood is immersive, raw, and tense from the very first frame. The caliber of the storyline, cinematography, and acting really astonished me. Jack Roberts, who directed, wrote, and performed in the movie, shows off his creative vision and range in an amazing way.
The idea behind the movie may sound familiar: a world after the end of the world, three survivors, and a search for refuge. But the way Remnants plays out is anything but normal. What makes it stand out is how deep it is emotionally and how it focuses on what it is to be human. There are a lot of exciting moments, but the story isn't only about surviving via action scenes. Instead, it looks at tragedy, grief, and the tenuous optimism that keeps individuals going even when everything is falling apart.
All of the performances were quite good. Jack Roberts does his part with intensity and inner strife without going too far. Ryan Wesen is another great actor. His portrayal of a man dealing with shame and responsibility gives the movie an emotional depth that stays with you long after the credits roll. Rebi Paganini's character is both strong and weak at the same time. The connection between the three of them seems real, and their relationship changes gradually as the tale goes on.
The movie looks great. The cinematography shows how gloomy the world is after the collapse without using a lot of CGI or over-the-top effects. The characters' physical and mental emptiness is well shown through the usage of forests, abandoned roads, and damaged houses. The way the movie is filmed is hauntingly beautiful; light and shadows are employed perfectly to match the mood of each scene. Because it looked so good, I had to convince myself that this wasn't a huge studio movie.
The soundtrack and sound design are also great. The movie uses both music and stillness well. There are times when a simple background sound, like a crackling fire or a rustling tree in the distance, makes things tenser than a booming soundtrack ever could. When music is employed, it's soft and melancholy, which makes the feeling stronger without being too much.
The rhythm of Remnants is also what makes it stand out. The movie never seems to be going too fast or too slowly. It takes time to develop its characters and their backstories, and the plot reveals bits and pieces of them as it goes along. There are times when you have to think about things quietly and times when you're on the edge of your seat. This back and forth keeps the audience interested and involved.
The writing is another big plus. There isn't much explanation, and the dialogue seems real. In a life-or-death situation, the characters talk like real people would. There are no speeches that have to be given or long talks that don't need to be. Every phrase and scene has a purpose.
I also like how the movie doesn't use cliches that are easy to guess. I thought I could foresee what would happen next in the tale, but it would always take a different turn. This wasn't done to surprise me; it was done to stay loyal to the characters and their arcs. The finale is fulfilling, emotional, and provides just the appropriate amount of room for thought.
I wish it were a little longer, but that's the only thing I would change. I wanted to spend more time with the characters and learn more about their pasts. That being said, the movie is just 1 hour and 35 minutes long, and it's extremely well cut with very little extra footage.
In general, Remnants is a strong indie film that is far better than it should be. It's interesting to look at, makes you think, and makes you feel. I can see why it won so many accolades at festivals. It really merits the praise. This movie is a must-see for fans of post-apocalyptic dramas that focus on human feeling rather than action.
Very highly recommended.
