In this version of the post-apoc world, a virus has wiped out most of the population with the exception of a few pockets of humanity or inhumanity in some cases. It starts with just 2 men: Jacob Elordi, as a mechanic/pilot and Josh Brolin, as his survivalist companion. Elordi’s character flies to other places in a hopeful search, which includes encounters with Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce and Allison Janney. This film is a weird mix of the typical thriller genre with some action beats and lots of “concerned” dialogue. Director Ridley Scott knows how to stage the dangerous encounters, but the narrative feels sporadic and uneven. Like Elordi’s character, the story wanders. The performances are fine and the action is passable, but there’s never any tension and the emotional beats are rather bland. Ironically, even though it’s supposedly set in and around Denver, it was actually shot in Italy, including at the iconic Cinecittà studios. 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
