Ridley Scott’s latest film presents a zombie narrative that serves as a reflective allegory on the lasting impact of the 2020 global pandemic, particularly on the United States. Without explicitly naming Covid-19, the film depicts a fictionalized version of 2020 in which a highly lethal virus, referred to only as “the flu,” has devastated the American population, leaving behind abandoned medical facilities and sparse groups of survivors.
Set in early 2025, the story follows Hig, a pilot and widower played by Jacob Elordi, and his ex-military friend Bangley, portrayed by Josh Brolin. The two men coexist in tense, heavily armed isolation on a rural compound in the Colorado Rockies, embodying contrasting aspects of post-pandemic American society. Bangley represents a hardened, gun-toting isolationist while Hig symbolizes a more sensitive, outward-looking optimist. Their relationship is marked by frequent bickering and differing worldviews, highlighting themes of division and survival.
The plot is set in motion when a violent attack by “Reapers,” deranged zombie-like aggressors who sometimes exhibit cannibalistic tendencies, results in the death of Hig’s beloved dog. Driven by loss, Hig embarks on a cross-country journey, encountering a range of characters including Jack, an irascible rancher played by Guy Pearce; his grieving daughter Cima, portrayed by Margaret Qualley; and Darlene, a former flight attendant turned religious zealot, played by Allison Janney.
Scott, known for his mastery of action filmmaking, directs several intense combat sequences, including a notable high-speed chase involving horse-riding Reapers. However, critics emphasize that the film’s strength also lies in its quieter moments. A significant portion unfolds on Jack’s ranch, featuring slow-paced, contemplative scenes underscored by folk music that provide emotional depth and illustrate careful character development. The relationship between Hig and Cima is portrayed with subtlety and restraint, centering on mutual healing rather than romance.
The film also explores existential themes, particularly in sequences where Hig pilots a small Cessna over the Rockies, reflecting on mortality. Interactions between Hig and Bangley probe broader questions about the American identity and societal failure, with Bangley expressing a bleak view that the pandemic revealed humanity’s selfish and hateful nature.
Performances receive mixed assessments. Elordi’s portrayal is described as competent, delivering his strongest work to date, though some find it inconsistent. Brolin and Pearce provide solid support, while Qualley brings unexpected nuance to a role seen as underwritten. The screenplay by Mark L. Smith integrates influences from other post-apocalyptic and western genres, with echoes of films such as "The Road" and the works of Robert Altman.
The film closes on an ambivalent note, offering a faint glimmer of hope amid a prevailing sense of melancholy. It suggests that while survival continues, darker challenges loom ahead. At 88, Scott’s work is viewed as a somber meditation on loss, resilience, and the uncertain future facing both America and the world.