The Road (2009)
Father, son and audiences try to survive this apocalyptic journey.
Presentation:
The cinematography is extremely bleak. It’s visually maybe even too dark especially with the desaturated bleachy grade. Based on the book by Cormac Mc Carthy, you know it’s going to be thematically dark in tone as well. The father and son aspect is the focus, but their emotional connection doesn’t quite click as a result of this quieter and solemn experience. It just doesn’t add more much than The Walking Dead and other apocalyptic movies in 2024 when depraved humanity themes should feel predictable. But for those unfamiliar with the genre, it could be a harrowing experience.
Conclusion:
The film simply doesn’t feel very memorable, with the lasting impression being their emotional journey, but I didn’t find myself caring too much for their relationship. The flashbacks also feel very extra, which is necessary to juxtapose their backstory, but not executed as well as it needed to be. Ultimately, the film hinges on the viewer investing in the father and son, but their chemistry should have been developed more.
Recommendations
An empty shell if you watched the original classic.