Director: Michael Matthews
Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker
Running Time: 109 minutes
Synopsis: After a military mishap, insects grow to a monstrous size and devour most humans. Seven years later, the few survivors are living in underground shelters. Joel (Dylan O'Brien) is in his early twenties, useless at combat, and contributing little to his shelter community. He re-establishes radio contact with his pre-apocalypse girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), who is living in another bunker many miles away. On a whim, Joel decides to embark on a dangerous surface journey to reunite with Aimee.
What Works Well: A sense of fun prevails in this original yet old-fashioned coming-of-age, find-yourself comedy. The brisk pacing is peppered by not-bad creature effects, but the main focus is on self-discovery and the essence of family and friendship. Dylan O'Brien gets into the vibe of a journey into adulthood, starting out as insecure and self-doubting, and gradually finding confidence and self-reliance through narrow escapes and plenty of luck. The romance elements are bittersweet enough for the intended audience, a robot adds pathos, and Michael Rooker contributes good survivor crustiness.
What Does Not Work As Well: The action, comedy, and broad messaging are all confined to safe young adult spaces and never threaten to soar or progress beyond obvious beats.
Key Quote:
Joel: I've been sensible all my life. It's gotten me nowhere.
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