#REVIEW: “Z FOR ZACHARIAH”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Director Craig Zobel and screenwriter Nissar Modi took an ambitious in adapting Z for Zachariah. Their combined efforts are shown off gloriously on the screen, but it is certainly not without three remarkable performances from their cast. Although this Movie might not be for everyone, moving at a slow pace,  it certainly is worth the time and commitment.

The Movie takes place in a small town after what can essentially be described as a nuclear holocaust. Civilization is dead, there is no one left except for Ann (Margot Robbie) or so she thinks. One morning while walking through the fields with her dog, she stumbles upon a rover-like vehicle on the road and stumbles upon another human, Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor). After some heated debates, and realizing that he accidentally exposed himself to radiation, Ann invites Loomis into her home and takes care of him. A love starts to brew between the two, but is shaken upon the discovery that their greatest fear is no longer true, another person is alive, Caleb (Chris Pine) now enters the picture. With emotions stirring up and passions flying, a love triangle forms between our three characters as they fight for survival and attempt to bring electricity back to their surroundings.

First of all Margot Robbie is incredible in her performance of Ann as she holds every scene with conviction and carries the audience throughout the Movie, similarly to how she carries both Loomis and Caleb helping them back to health. She is the backbone, the central drive of Z for Zachariah and she commands it perfectly. Chiwetel Ejiofor also conveys a remarkable performance that is nothing short of heart wrenching and moving, as the audience truly connects with his character. Lastly, Chris Pine proves that he is more than Captain Kirk or Prince Charming as he displays a similar personality to his usual characters but with more conviction and passion, something this Movie portrays exceptionally.

Z for Zachariah is an intense drama that grips its audience tightly. From start to finish th Film is captivating and emotional, as it strikes humanities greatest fear of something wiping-out civilization how would the remaining survivors live and cope. The performances as well as the direction and script make Z for Zachariah a hidden gem amongst the summer blockbusters.

VVS Films release Z for Zachariah on VOD and in cinemas Friday August 28, 2015.