With the COVID-19 crisis still dominating headlines, it seems film releases are tapping into that and offering some kind of indirect respite from the lockdown frustrations. It’s a common theme when there is always a global issue and back in the 1970s with Vietnam and the energy shortage amongst key issues, the cinema reflected that.
Evoking memories of earlier apocalyptic films like THE HUNGER GAMES series, MAD MAX and THE ROAD comes EDGE OF EXTINCTION, a brand-new British futuristic film written and directed by Andrew Gilbert.
There appears to have been a war, sparked by the sudden dropping of bombs in Turkey – and the aftermath of anarchy in the UK has led to an acceleration which has left the few survivors attempting to thrive amidst a desolate country, which is run by ‘The Road Rats’ and ‘The Hunters’, cannibalistic hordes out to kill whoever they can get.
Within this desperate scenario, a lone man (Luke Hobson) keeps provisions in a seemingly secure bunker, but soon runs into resistance when a young woman (Georgie Smibert) begs him for food with a sob story. Turns out she isn’t as alone – and some of her associates are determined to grab what they can from him and torture him. However, they run into the ‘Rats’ and the woman is kidnapped, leaving the man and one of her associates (Chris Kaye) to form an uneasy alliance as they attempt to save her from the leader of ‘The Hunters’ who abduct young woman for his sexual pleasure….
Strong language and violence are all around as the story progresses, with a take-no-prisoners feel and a movie that does maintain the attention during the course of its’ two-hours-plus running time. The music score is reminiscent of James Newton Howard’s score for BATMAN BEGINS and adds to the quality of a film that uses its’ limited resources very well, thanks to great make-up and gore effects from a competent production team.
If there is one criticism of the film, it’s that it’s well-trodden territory, but if apocalyptic escapism is what you are after, then EDGE OF EXTINCTION will keep you attentive in lock-down
Edge of Extinction will be released on Digital Download from May 18 here and on DVD later in the year here, both can be pre-ordered now
