Watch Z for Zachariah
- PG-13
- 2015
- 1 hr 35 min
-
6.0 (33,052)
Z for Zachariah is a 2015 post-apocalyptic drama film directed by Craig Zobel, based on the novel by Robert C. O'Brien. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine, and Margot Robbie as the three main characters in a desolate world ravaged by an unknown disaster. The film opens with Ann (Margot Robbie) living alone in the wilderness, in a valley that was shielded from the radiation that destroyed the rest of the world. Her family and everyone else in the nearby towns have died, and she believes she's the last person alive. One day, she sees a stranger, John Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor), walking down the road towards her, and she's both frightened and hopeful. John is severely ill and nearly dies, but Ann nurses him back to health, and they begin to form a tentative bond as the only two people left on the planet.
Their fragile equilibrium is threatened when a third person arrives on the scene: a handsome and charismatic engineer named Caleb (Chris Pine) who stumbles upon the valley. Caleb is immediately attracted to Ann, and she's drawn to his confidence and intelligence. John, on the other hand, is suspicious of Caleb's motives and sees him as a threat. As Ann tries to navigate the complicated emotions that are now swirling around her, tensions rise between the three characters, and each of them is forced to confront their deepest fears and desires.
The majority of the film takes place in the valley, and the audience is invited to explore the dynamics between Ann, John, and Caleb as they try to coexist in a ravaged world. Although it's a post-apocalyptic story, the movie isn't heavy on action or CGI. Instead, the film is more of a character study, focusing on the relationships between the three characters and the choices they make in their bid for survival.
One of the film's main themes is the tension between science and religion. Ann is a devout Christian who sees the disaster as a sign of God's judgement, while John is a scientist who believes that there must be a scientific explanation for the catastrophe. Caleb, who is neither religious nor scientific, brings a third perspective to the table, which causes Ann and John to question their own beliefs.
Another major theme in the film is the nature of trust. Ann and John have built a relationship based on trust and mutual respect, but when Caleb arrives, that trust is tested. Ann must decide whether to trust Caleb or John, knowing that her decision could have life or death consequences for all three of them.
The cinematography in the film is breathtaking, with the lush green valley providing a stark contrast to the barren wasteland outside. The beauty of the valley acts as a metaphor for the fragile hope that Ann, John, and Caleb are clinging to as they try to rebuild a world that has been destroyed.
Overall, Z for Zachariah is a thought-provoking film that explores complex themes of trust, science, religion, and survival. The film is not a traditional post-apocalyptic story, but instead presents a unique perspective on what it means to be human and what we're willing to do to survive. The performances by the three leads are outstanding, and their chemistry is palpable as they navigate the difficult waters of a world that has been turned upside down.
Z for Zachariah is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 68.