Review of Z for Zachariah (2015) by Boogie B — 29 Aug 2016

The end of the world does not seem all that bad...ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE HAVING A CANDLELIT DINNER WITH MARGOT ROBBIE!

A disaster has wiped out most of civilization and humanity. The apocalypse was not due to evil machines, zombies, or aliens. It was good ol' radiation (damn you radiation). It is the end of the world, and we have three people left alive. Z for Zachariah is following a disaster that wipes out most of civilization. A scientist, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Martian) and a miner, played by Chris Pine (Star Trek Beyond, Upcoming Wonder Woman film) compete for the love of a woman, played by Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad) who may be the last female on Earth.

Z for Zachariah is well acted, has great cinematographer, a great cast (even though it is only three people), great relatable characters, smart, has beyond beautiful scenery, it is funny, and I believe it is a perfect film! Margot Robbie plays Ann, a farm girl whose home in the country has been spared the worst. Ann is a religious believer and a survivor of the apocalypse. She lives with her dog, she roams the deserted valley, reading many books, raising farm animals and raiding a local convenience store for what is left of canned goods. That is until Ann sees a man by the side of the road. He is covered, like an astronaut wearing protective gear from the radiation. His name is John Loomis, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Ann helps John Loomis learn the farming lifestyle. The two individuals bonds, learn from each other, and may even be in love. On the other hand, they meet someone else. They meet a man named Caleb, played by Chris Pine. Ann feels connected towards Caleb as well. Caleb also makes everyone question themselves and what they have done. Such as, one of our characters having a murderous past. Who will cock block whom? Who has killed? Who wants Ann more (me)? Because at the end of the day (or world in this incident), us brothers have...needs. All this questions and more come to mind.

This is a very smart film. Even at the end of the world, we have some much to learn about society and ourselves. I love how this is not a typical end of the world film. Even though the majority of the film are our three main characters talking and building stuff, we feel such an emotional connection towards them. Even at the end of the world, the characters dispute over beliefs, race, sex, and more. The movie had a message, and a creative way it wanted to give that message. At the end of it all, we are all one. It was not trying to shove the message in your face. It lets you figure it out. Accordingly, the change in characters I really enjoyed. For instance, John not being the most religious person in the beginning. Mainly because he has lost all his faith in the world, people, family, and friends. At the end of the film, we see him in a church with Ann and slightly smiling. Also, John never liked or cared for Ann when she would play the piano. However, at the end, he listens to her play and he seems to being enjoying it for the first time.

The scenery is beautiful, and certain shots in the film even help tell or twist the story. No spoiler here, but if you have seen the shot where Ann slowly pushes her drinking glass over the edge of the table, and we get a continuous smash cut of the previous scene. I thought that was smart of the filmmakers.

So these are my final Bitchin' Buddha thoughts on the film Z for Zachariah. I have no complaints. It is smart, has gorgeous scenery, and I believe it is a must see film. I believe Z for Zachariah earns a...

5/5!

"The future is not set". But I do know that "I'll be back". Until next time, thank you all for reading and or viewing, and I hope you all have an amazing day as always. :).