The Road

What: Film
Director: John Hillcoat

Actors: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron.
Where: Curzon Soho Cinema, London

Transforming what many believe to be 'the book of the last decade' into a feature film comes with it's obvious advantages but, on the flip side, you can't avoid the comparisons with the original text. However, the screen version of The Road fights hard. It stirs the darkest emotions with it's epic, bleak and, at times, chilling portrayal of a dark, deadly world. It grabs hold of you and doesn't let go for 110 minutes.

It centres around the journey of a father and his son through a dying world torn apart by a mysterious disaster. The film assumes the worst in human nature as the majority of the other survivors embark on a anarchic, murderous spree where rape and cannibalism come hand in hand.

Hillcoat's creation pushes the viewer to examine their own world and it's interesting how everyday sights and sounds can provoke extreme emotions in this hostile environment. The introduction of dogs, for example, causes panic and reassurance in equal measure at various stages of the film.

In a brief spell of comfort and feasting for the pair, the man enjoys a Jack Daniels with a cigarette to the boys bemusement. 'You think I come from another world, don't ya?' claims the man. Coming of age is a short process for this boy and it isn't long before he is thrown head-first into this very adult world.

Rating: 7/10

Comments: Mortensen and especially Smit-McPhee shine in this spectacular but depressing, grey creation.