Off Grid

A short post-apocalyptic, sci-fi film independetly financed by crowd-funding and private investments. The film was directed by Carl Timms, written by Mark Brendan and Carl Timms and stars James Cosmo (Game of Thrones) and Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey).

Something terrible has happened that has turned the world upside down, causing death and forcing people to hide for safety. John (Cosmo) is an elderly man who is trying to keep himslelf and his partner, Grace (Steadman) away from the deadly threat. John has brought Grace to the countryside where they now live in isolation inside a shack. Grace is unwell and in bed, while John surveys the surrounding areas, making sure that they are safe and places bear traps here and there. The catastrophic event that took place involves some sort of infection that turns people into menacing beings, however they can still appear human. One day, a stranger (Marc Baylis) arrives at their place and requests accommodation. Can he be trusted?

This short has an impressive production value that convincingly creates a post-apocalyptic environment where life-and-death situations are common. For one thing, there are the people who have been infected by the threat, who are referred to as ''The Shining Ones'' because their eyes tend to turn bright blue and glow and they also make vile shrieking sounds. Thanks to the special effects and the actor's performances, their presence is quite sinister. The threatening and uncanny atmosphere is supported by Paul Angier's beautiful cinematography and Matthew Steed's ominous and dramatic music that includes sombre piano melodies. As for the narrative, it does a great job in creating suspense and tension, with dramatic dialogue and fight-to-the-death scenes.

Then there is the plot twist. It is a clever one and it changes everything regarding the story when it is revealed. However, some viewers might dislike it and believe that it damages the film. It could be argued that a twist was unnecessary and that the story would had been fine without it.

Cosmo delivers a dramatic performance as a tough man, determined to survive and protect his wife. Patrolling the woods with a spade as a weapon and comforting Grace, he is simultaneously a warrior and a caring person. Steadman is emotional as an ill woman who is terrified by what is happening.

Since the setting is a post-apocalyptic world, it should not be surprising that two major themes are survival and desperation. Along with these, there is support and caring that are explored in interactions between John and Grace and trust and distrust that are dealt with in the rapport that John builds with the stranger. And there is mental health that is a subject throughout but primarily surfaces towards the end.

A short post-apocalyptic film with fantastic performances, an intriguing story, heavy drama and plenty of tension. It is depatable whether the plot revelation is a plus or a minus, nevertheless, this is an experience that is worth pursuing.