What Still Remains

Dreams give us hope. And if we don't have hope, then what's the point in living?

After reading the synopsis of this movie, your reaction will probably be the same as mine at that time. "Jesus, not again another post-apocalyptic film in which the world's population has been decimated to a handful of survivors, while the earth's surface is plagued by bloodthirsty zombies or warlike aliens who are fed up eating salt-less potatoes already for years and start to plunder our natural salt mines here on earth". Well, in essence, it sort of comes down to that, but the apocalyptic part isn't really noticeable. You won't see any zombie or alien. Then again, the epidemic that caused the extinction of the world's population, has broken out 25 years ago. Perhaps that's why the emphasis here is on the survivors instead of the Apocalypse itself.

Anna (Lulu Antariksa) is such a survivor. She's 19 years old and therefore hasn't really experienced the happening. She lives secluded in a fairly protected domain (although a wooden fence is not really something that could stop a zombie stampede) along with her deathly ill mother and her brother David (Roshon Fegan). But after a while, she stays behind all alone when her mother dies a natural death and her brother falls into the hands of a stranger who whistles like a cowboy. At first, it's not clear in whose hands he has fallen. Afterward, you'll come to know that there are wandering groups that are called "berserkers" and that hunt other people for supplies. What people should really be afraid of in this dilapidated society, remains a mystery throughout this movie.

So, don't expect something similar to "How it ends". It's more like "Holy ghost people". The day Peter (Colin O'Donoghue) apparently accidentally turns up at Anna's house, it seems as if he has a way out to a more worry-free life for Ann. He's the co-founder of a religious commune that offers protection and friendly companionship. Something Anna needs, now that she's alone and lonely. The calmness and kindness that Peter exudes (as befits a true spiritual leader) convinces her. She didn't know there were some flies in the ointment. Eventually, it seems like she was invited for very different reasons. And before she realizes it, she finds herself in a similar situation. Kind of imprisoned. Only at a different location.

"What still remains" isn't an exciting film with nerve-racking confrontations and fierce life-and-death battles. It's rather a socio-drama and a "coming of age" in a world that tries to get back on its feet. It's a story about trust and mistrust. And, of course, the revival of isolated communes where individuals position themselves above others in a certain way, in order for them to sail a safer course. That there's a religious aspect, is quite logical. In the face of adversity, there's always that moment when people start focusing on a higher power. The fact there are clever people who then misuse this in their favor and come up with their own form of religion, is also not earth-shattering. The most positive aspect of this film is the interplay between Lulu Antariksa and Colin O'Donoghue. For the rest, it brings nothing new and you get an I-have-seen-this-already feeling. Only I caught myself humming "It's the end of the world as we know it". Only the phrase "And I feel fine", felt out of place.

What Still Remains is well made, with a strong emphasis on character development and atmosphere. The post-apocalyptic world is convincingly portrayed, with a palpable sense of danger and uncertainty. The film also explores themes of faith, trust, and survival, and it does so in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

One of the strengths of the film is the performances of the lead actors. Lulu Antariksa is excellent as Anna, portraying her character with a mixture of toughness and vulnerability. Colin O'Donoghue is also very good as Peter, bringing a sense of charm and charisma to his role.

However, while the film is well made, it does suffer from some pacing issues. The first half of the movie is slow, with not much happening in terms of plot. This may be off-putting for some viewers, but for those who stick with it, the film does pick up in the second half.

Overall, "What Still Remains" is a well-crafted post-apocalyptic thriller that explores themes of faith, trust, and survival. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy this type of film should find it to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

I'm not going to lie. I was lured in by the 100% Rotten Tomatoes and the 10/10 ratings here on IMDB. It should have been red flag enough when I saw Mimi Rodgers was in the cast about an end of the world apocalypse (The Rapture, anyone?)

Alas I didn't listen to my own gut feeling and trudged forward. 90 minutes later i sought my sanity and went through reviews more deeply. Blasted quick draw!

Generally speaking, the female lead does a good job with what she's given and Ben, the loyal security lackey, does fine. But everything else is basically regurgitated tropes from movies or TV shows that did it better, more creatively and with a sense of cinematic substance. This was like watching a school project.

I wish I had made the right decision and spent those 90 minutes cleaning my dirty oven, or staring at my couch, or hunting Sphinx wasps in 115 degree weather. As a note, I'm uncertain if Sphinx wasps can survive in 115 degree weather...or for that matter the 90 minutes of this movie.

Like I said earlier: I even came back to delve more deeply into IMDB reviews to see if I had missed something. Which I had. So this is my gift to you - that you might not miss this. Do NOT watch this movie. Rest assured, you'll be more entertained by my review than the movie. And if you're not entertained by my review, I believe I've proven my point.

The acting was ok , the pace was slow, it felt boring in many parts, unsatisfying obvious plot twist and (no zombies, WHY?).

No seriously. This film is actually more entertaining in a way. It's a low budget suspense thriller which is delivered by a decent cast but it does hit a bunch of clichés, which you will - of course, see coming a mile away and that shows down the pace somewhat when you're just waiting for the obvious to be over and done with.

All in all though, I had fun with it even with the blobs of lazy writing.

So yeah, Walking dead sucks.