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"Five" is a 1951 post-apocalyptic science fiction film with a distinct place in cinematic history as being one of the first movies to deal with the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse. Directed by Arch Oboler, known for his work in radio drama before making the leap to film, the movie is a black-and-white narrative that delves into themes of survival, human nature, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of utter devastation.

The story is centered around the experiences of five survivors following a devastating nuclear incident that wipes out the majority of the human population. The focus is not so much on the event itself but on its consequences and how it affects the dynamic between the remaining individuals. The survivors come from vastly different backgrounds, and their perspectives and intentions clash, providing tension and drama.

The protagonist, Michael, portrayed by William Phipps, is a sensitive and introspective young man. He finds himself seemingly alone in a world that has been reduced to ashes and radiation. His solitary existence is interrupted when he encounters other survivors, each bringing their own histories, trauma, and hopes into this new and barren world.

Susan Douglas Rubes plays Roseanne, a woman who was pregnant at the time of the disaster and has since given birth. She emerges as a figure of hope and continuity, representing the potential for new life and renewal. Her performance encapsulates the fears and challenges of motherhood in a world without the structure and safety previously taken for granted.

James Anderson takes on the role of Eric, a man with a corrosive personality and a survivalist mentality that becomes a source of conflict within the group. His pragmatic yet brutal approach to this new world order serves as a mirror to the darker side of human nature, where the fight for survival can sometimes overshadow moral and ethical considerations.

The film is as much about the interactions amongst these individuals as it is about survival. As they make their way through the desolate landscape, they encounter abandoned structures and the remnants of a civilization now extinct. They must learn to navigate their new reality both physically and emotionally. The environment becomes a character in itself, largely unspoken but ever-present, serving as a constant reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life.

"Five" showcases the resilience of human beings, the struggle to maintain humanity and morality in the face of despair, and the search for meaning after catastrophe strips away the veneer of civilization. The characters are forced to confront fundamental questions regarding existence, the nature of society, and what it truly means to be alive.

In crafting the film, Oboler put a significant emphasis on the philosophical and existential aspects of the survivors' journey. The script, also penned by Oboler, explores profound issues about what drives people under extreme duress—their fears, as well as their capacity for cruelty and kindness. As such, "Five" is not only an early sci-fi film but also a thoughtful character study that transcends its genre.

From a technical standpoint, "Five" is notable for its stark cinematography. Despite the limited budget typically associated with films of this era, the movie achieves a strong visual impact, especially in its use of real-life abandoned locations, which provide a haunting, almost documentary-like authenticity to the post-apocalyptic landscape. The sparing use of music and sound design further accentuates the solitude and desolation felt by the characters, adding to the film’s tense and eerie atmosphere.

Upon its release, “Five” was praised for its innovative approach to the science fiction genre and its willingness to tackle serious themes within the constraints of a Hollywood production. Culturally, the film reflected the anxieties of the atomic age, capturing the collective fear of nuclear annihilation that permeated the Cold War era. It serves as an artifact of the time but also offers timeless commentary on human behavior and society.

“Five” remains a unique entry in the pantheon of science fiction films, an intriguing curiosity that appeals to those interested in the genre's history and evolution. It offers a glimpse into the roots of post-apocalyptic narratives that have become increasingly popular in the decades since, and its legacy lies in the way it addresses the complexities of humanity against a backdrop of ultimate ruin. The movie, beyond its narrative and thematic ambitions, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in confronting the unthinkable and the enduring quest of cinema to illuminate the human condition—even when depicted at its most desperate and desolate.

Five is a 1951 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.