The Rover (2014) English Language

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103 min

Cast: Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy…and more

Set in the harsh Australian Outback 10 years after an unspecified future economic apocalypse, Guy Pearce stars a gritty loner on a mission to recover his car stolen by criminals on the run, on the way he kidnaps on one of the thieves’ brother played by Robert Pattinson with whom he forms an unconventional alliance on the brutal road to their ultimate destination.

Firstly it must be established that this is an extremely dark, gritty and brutal drama that depicts a dystopian and morally devoid future so be prepared to be shocked, depressed and entertained in equal measure.

The Rover is partly a dark road drama in a similar style to 2009’s The Road but with a gritty western-style structure of a dangerous drifter hell bent on revenge, the action and emotional content is morose and the background of the characters only hinted at.

The film is underpinned by strong performances from the 2 lead actors, the always engaging Guy Pearce but in particular and perhaps surprisingly convincing turn from Twilight star Pattinson as the Dim-witted and emotionally challenged kidnapped brother.

Despite a perhaps depressing and Nihilistic future world view and ultimately unconvincing motivation for Pearce’s unwavering determination to recover his car, The Rover is an interesting exploration of the effects of economic catastrophe on a vulnerable and globalised society and is a welcome alternative to this summer’s mainstream blockbusters.