doggett-clint

Negative reviews complain that "nothing is explained" or "the ending is abrupt" and "it was slow and boring". If you can't think critically enough to understand how this movie relates to you, then I either pity or envy you-- I'm frankly not sure which.

This film hits close to home; a horror movie for the digital age. The vast majority of people (Americans at least) do not realize how much they rely on technology EVERY day. The line between chaos and order is thinner than it seems, and the events of this movie explore the human reactions to a technological collapse.

The plot produces much to unpack about the way our world is interconnected, and highlights different ways that helps and harms us. The score can be unrelenting and the cinematography uncomfortable, which helps put the viewer into the shoes of the characters on-screen.

There is one motif throughout the film that doesn't quite land for me, as it relies on a heavy-handed (and rather obscure) metaphor towards the end, in a movie that otherwise feels realistic and grounded.

I found this film a refreshing change of pace from the predictable, forgettable, and over-explained movies in the main stream. If a Marvel movie were bubblegum, then Leave the World Behind would be a three-course meal.

Hostiles explores the deepest of human connection, the darkest of human brutality, and the potential for forgiveness. A riveting slow-burn, which may be viewed as politically correct by some, but ultimately stands as an homage to greater humanity. Superb acting, driven direction, stellar backdrops, and well worth the time.

The ending is getting a lot of hate, which is amusing- as everyone points out it is very abrupt. But use your imagination people!

The production places a beautiful story in front of you with realism, driven story, suspense, and on par acting. Whitaker is the driving force of the cast, and the film uses real stunts, sets, and practical methods everywhere they can. It calls back to the old days of cinema when directors actually cared to make a film look real and believable.

If you like disaster/apocalypse films (like The Road, or Book of Eli- not Dwayne Johnson flying helicopters around) then you'll enjoy this.