Review of Population 436 (2006) by Luqman H — 21 Jun 2007

Steve Kady (Jeremy Sisto) is sent to the small town of Rockwell Falls by the US Census Bureau to investigate why its population has remained at 436 for the last 100 years or more. Once there Kady discovers through his census taking that all is not what it seems and the reasons for the towns never-changing population are more than coincidental. 'Population 436' is a total rip off of 'The Wicker Man' - aswell as borrowing from everywhere else - but manages to inject enough charm and originality of its own to actually better last year's dire 'Wicker Man' remake.

A small town detached from the rest of civilisation complete with a tight community spirit, self-certified doctors and strange semi-religious cult-like hoopla is the set up. There's even the token damsel and young girl in distress. Where 'Population' 36' differs is in its pacing, tone and story. Writer Michael Kingston (2001's 'Free' the only other credit to his name) crafts a neat little drama/thriller opting for well developed characters and a subtle underlying build-up over cheap thrills and shock tactics. Michelle Maclaren, with her feature debut, also directs with a subtle and gentle hand allowing both the story and characters to breathe for the first hour until the first real shock comes in which is still played out in such an understated manner that it only adds to the twistedness of the scene. From here on all of the films subplots play out in predictable fashion until its rather obvious but still (in the age of hollywood endings) satisfying conclusion.

Both Sisto and Toronto's own Charlotte Sullivan as Courtney Lovett turn in strong performances but it's Limp Bizkit's (lets not even get into that) Fred Durst who steals the show with an impressively understated performance as Deputy Bobby Caine displaying an unexpected range and maturity. 'Population 436' never strains to be more ambitious than the sum of its parts and this is what makes the movie work so well. It knows exactly what it is - essentially a TV movie with a bigger budget and better cast - and is content to be so. A joy to watch.