Downstream

USA • 2010 • 101m •

• Directed by: Simone Bartesaghi, Philip Kim, Neil Kinsella. • Starring: Jonathon Trent, Elizabeth Roberts, Jonno Roberts, Billy Drago, Lenny von Dohlen, Mickey Jones, Frederick Bartholomew, Michelle Lang, Fiona Gubelmann, Grace Renn, Bru Muller, Bob Rumnock, Matthew J. Evans. • Music by: Tree Adams.

Wes Keller is a young man living in a world where oil has run out, the food supply has collapsed, and cancer rates for women have skyrocketed, depleting the female population. In a barbaric environment where bio fuel, batteries, bullets and people are currency and marauders roam free, Wes tries to escape to a mythical world run on cold fusion "Plutopia", a place that may only exist in the mind.

Review:

The whole post apocalyptic wasteland has been done various times before but I am always excited to discover new films of this style. As I knew nothing about the film I decided to read a few reviews beforehand which nearly put me off watching it but I am glad that I decided to watch it anyway, I've seen it a few times now. This is not a bad film but nor is it a consistently good either, there are parts that require tweakingre-shootingremoving in my opinion. There is a story but im undecided on whether it is strong enough to carry the film for 140 mins. Having said that, 'the road' doesn't contain much of a story other than that of survival and the relationship but that's a good film none the less.

Some of the negatives; The engine noise used on Wes' car - I understand the engines have been modified so would sound different but the noise just doesn't fit, it sounds more like a kamikaze plane dive bombing or ww2 propeller driven siren. Some really poor editing - For example there is a scene that shows a long road and to avoid an overly long scene it is sped up but then abruptly returns to regular speed which looks like someone has fast forwarded a VCR. The fact Wes can 'talk' to his dog - I just think the concept is silly and is too gimmicky and it doesn't really add anything which makes it pointless. - The ending - What the f is all I have to say about that!

Some of the positives; Some interesting characters - One of my favourites has to be Edward played by Billy Drago, sadly he doesn't get much screen time but the acting was great. Some interesting editing - In contrast to the poor editing there are some nice edits such as the split screen comic book style shots. Some REALLY cool action scenes - I LOVE the scene where Wes takes out those would be rapists, when I first saw that I was in awe of how amazing I thought it was. The music, the angles, the edits and the brutality made it memorable. I would love to have seen more like this. The sound - I really enjoyed the sound and music with only one exception of the song used when he goes into the town (about 16 mins in), I think it would have worked better without vocals.

In summery - for a low budget film I would say this is a good effort that could've turned out worse but didn't achieve its potential either. I enjoyed the film and have watched it several times now but I think more time spent planning the story direction and some different post production choices would've improved the film substantially. I would suggest that anyone who is a fan of this genre (or the fallout game series) should watch this in its entirety. You may not enjoy it all but I believe you should give everything at least one chance.

Review by ChaoticNoize from the Internet Movie Database.

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