THE SURVIVALIST. A suspenseful post-apocalyptic science fiction thriller

Using corpses as fertilizer to cultivate edible plants and relying on wild resources, the protagonist of “The Survivalist” has found a way to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. His daily routine includes checking traps for animals, gathering mushrooms, berries, and useful weeds, and tending to his small farm deep in the forest. Thanks to his organization and discipline, he is self-sufficient, but he lives in constant fear. A survivalist living alone, he must always be prepared for defense or attack if necessary. He never parts with his knife or shotgun. He doesn’t know the exact date or the state of the world, as his cabin lacks electricity, and he only ventures outside his property to wash clothes in the stream. Were it not for his clothes and some objects, one might think the story takes place in the 19th century. However, from a sparse prologue, we learn it is an undefined future, where humanity began to collapse after the depletion of oil resources.

The lone man, however, is not humanity’s last representative. One day, two women arrive at his small farm: the younger Milja (Mia Goth) and the older, gray-haired Kathryn (Olwen Fouere), who proposes a trade of seeds for food. When the farmer refuses, a night with Milja becomes the bargaining chip. The offer is accepted. From that moment, all three characters begin to function in a forced triangle of mutual dependence. He shares shelter and food in exchange for help with farming and sex with the young woman. After years of loneliness and silence, he suddenly has someone to talk to, share chores with, and work alongside. And although over time the characters exhibit more human emotions, tension and mistrust persist. Danger can strike at any moment, not just from wanderers or bandits but also from within the small, perpetually fearful trio. Their communal arrangement is based solely on transactional relationships, and none of them afford themselves the luxury of trust. Their decisions are driven by a desire to survive.

These emotions are palpable to the audience, primarily thanks to excellent acting. Martin McCann, in the lead role, portrays a gaunt, weary man with a frightened gaze. A life-hardened loner haunted by memories, he has imposed routine actions on himself to find a way to live. Infinitely patient and pragmatic, he strives to rid himself of any weaknesses. The film has very little dialogue (not a single word is spoken in the first seventeen minutes), so much of the story is conveyed through the protagonist’s facial expressions and his restless eyes. The women are portrayed in a similarly nuanced manner. The elderly Kathryn reflects a life of hard-earned experience, though her time is limited. She remains enigmatic and capable of surprising decisions. Milja serves as a bridge between the other two characters, staying in their shadow yet motivated by her own survival instincts. Each character has their own plan to endure on their terms.

“The Survivalist” tells the story of hardened individuals devoid of illusions, navigating the harsh reality of a realized apocalypse. Stephen Fingleton has crafted a film with a simple narrative that intertwines many elements. On one hand, it depicts a world dominated by nature, free from human control, once again becoming humanity’s primary sustainer and reclaiming its respect. Nature serves as the backdrop for many scenes, beautifully and prominently showcased, with forest sounds and atmospheric phenomena replacing music. Relics of the pre-apocalypse world remind us of the past: an old shotgun, a harmonica, or a crumpled pack of familiar cigarettes stored in a tin box. When the protagonist holds a pocket Bible or faded photographs, he briefly reflects before using them as kindling. What once held meaning and purpose is now just paper, to be used sparingly.

Among these nostalgic relics are books (mostly about edible plants), including a 1934 album titled “Covenant With Death”, which contains gruesome photographs of World War I victims. The album, intended as a warning against repeating such horrors, tragically preceded another global conflict just a few years later. Its inclusion in this post-apocalyptic setting is a powerful, bitter commentary on humanity’s failure to learn from its mistakes, repeating them on an even grander scale. Yet, the film itself is intimate, devoid of elaborate action scenes. It’s a thoughtful, mature thriller about the remnants of humanity surviving an undefined, devastating apocalypse. The tension stems from uncertainty and fear of death, which could come from nature, disease, or another person. “The Survivalist” offers a harrowing lesson in survival within a disturbingly realistic reality. Let us hope it never comes to pass.