This is yet another post-apocalyptic tale, but with one major difference: It’s a sci-fi musical with a rock score. A farm girl (Sadie Sink, best known as Max on “Stranger Things”) leaves home to become a “rambler,” traversing the wasteland with her valued guitar. When she meets her one true love (Kelvin Harrison), she’s forced to use her musical power to save him and the world. Sink anchors the film with her conviction and lovely voice. There are other “unique” characters, including a scary Regina Hall and weird, wild Murray Bartlett. This comes from the mind of writer/director Geremy Jasper, who also created the unique film about a girl rapper, “Patti Cake$” (my review). His taste for unusual individuals and interesting situations plays out again here. Jasper also composed the score with Jason Binnick and their songs are catchy with easy, tuneful melodies. Production Designer Scott Dougan created a psychedelic, post-punk junkyard esthetic that’s uncharacteristically accented by glowing electronics. This movie may inspire a cult following, because of its bold approach, lovely songs and sometimes eye-popping production. BTW, this has a local connection in producer Michael Gottwald, who also produced “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” 
(4 / 5)
