Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-budget pandemic thriller has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Survivalist
What's the Story?
THE SURVIVALIST tells the story of Ben (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a former FBI agent who must protect his home and innocent people from a ruthless cult leader in the aftermath of a pandemic.
Is It Any Good?
This odd mixture of pandemic thriller and family drama tries its best to utilize its small cast, budget, and limited number of settings. Center stage of The Survivalist is a stand-off between an unlikely hero whose single-mindedness brings him face-to-face with a violent gang in the aftermath of a devastating virus. But with no real characterization, surprises, or set pieces, the main act of survival is the audience's in making it through a 91-minute runtime that's mainly about how badly a heavily armed group of opponents can shoot at each other -- and miss.
Rhys Meyers does his best to make Ben a relatable hero. But the storylines showing us his past and present never mesh in a way that tells anything interesting or unique about him. John Malkovich adds some of his usual sparkle to the maniacal Aaron, but like Ben, his backstory and grand plan are both so limited that it's difficult to care what happens to him. The movie's biggest misstep, however, is to barely include Sarah, the source of the main characters' conflict. It's a bit like watching The Girl with All the Gifts without the girl in it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Survivalist. How did it affect you? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Why did Ben choose to protect Sarah? Why is it important to protect vulnerable people who cannot fend for themselves?
Discuss the character of Aaron. What were his values? Why did people show him loyalty?
How did the movie handle gambling addiction? Was it a realistic portrayal? Why is that important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 1, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : October 1, 2021
- Cast : Jonathan Rhys Meyers , John Malkovich , Ruby Modine
- Director : Jon Keeyes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Quiver Distribution
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and language
- Last updated : October 31, 2021
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