Review of The Collapsed (2011) by Robert H — 31 Aug 2013

It is absolutely amazing what the filmmakers have managed to put together with this microbudget film. This is a film that is lower than low budget and yet it manages to overcome its shortcomings thanks to amazing work from Director Justin McConnell and DP Pasha Patriki. Even the FX both physical and digital (yes there's even digital FX in this film as subtle as they are) are well done.

The Collapsed isn't without problems though. The acting ranges from very good to feeling forced but it never comes across as campy (which is either good or bad depending on your preferences). The story is ok and considering this is post apocalyptic fare done on a very limited budget, what they pull off without being able to close roads, etc. is amazing. Where many find fault is in the attempt at creating suspense. The film is essentially only suspense as there is very little payoffs. This works at first imo but without really good payoffs, the audience has a tendency to get a little bored. Some of this seems to be decisions based on budget constraints and what the filmmakers felt they could achieve with what they had available to them but others are clearly part of the story as a whole.

Something that can be said is that despite the aspects that might find themselves used extensively in art film The Collapsed never goes overboard with pretensive ideas and keeps the film as simple as possible and grounded in a way that's similar to the television show Lost.

The Collapsed isn't a great and entertaining film but it isn't a bad watch at all. I'd say it's more a show piece of the talents of those involved and shows that these guys and gals might be able to create something truly magical given the necessary resources.