Review of The Quiet Earth (1985) by Wayne K — 05 Jun 2016

Boasting haunting visuals, bleak atmospherics, a chilling concept and moments of genuine horror, The Quiet Earth started off as a grim rumination on life after the extinction of our species, and what will be left for those few who survived the catastrophe.

Unfortunately, after expending all of its useful ideas and interesting concepts, the film falls back on Hollywood formula and settles instead for being a trite and often frustrating love story between characters who are allowed no chemistry with each other, only obedience to established formula.

The love triangle developing under difficult circumstances storyline has been plenty of times, and while here things feel a little more tense and unpredictable, but it constantly detracts from what should be the main focus: Understanding and surviving the apocalypse.

I don't see it as a bad film as much as a wasted opportunity. If you want to see an engaging drama about the near-eradication of the human race, watch the TV series Survivors instead. It'll take up much more of your time, but you'll get a lot more out of it.