'The Road' simply portrays the end of the world

Finally, a film decides to take the end of the world seriously by substituting minimalist horror and cold severity for graphic special effects and explosions.

"The Road," based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is filled with seeping dread that easily transfers from the film's haggard protagonist over to the audience. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape that is bleak and treacherous, the story is simple in that it follows a man and his son in their quest to find some means of living in a lifeless world. In their journey, they are chased by other humans who have turned cannibalistic due to the meager circumstances. The boy is their prime target and although the man is aware of this weakness, he valiantly protects the young child with all of his might. The father-and-son team searches for shelter, food and a warm bath as they head toward the sea in hope that something still remains at the horizon.

The cinematography in "The Road" is immaculate as director John Hillcoat extracts every bit of warmth from the setting in order to create an utterly barren wasteland. The skies are always dark and looming and rust and carnage fill the drizzly streets of every abandoned town. This cold perspective on the world is effective in that it calls attention to the strong relationship between the man and the boy.

This father-and-son bond is the only glimmer of hope among the dark clouds of the apocalypse. Despite the fact that the characters remain nameless throughout the film, there is no lack of personality in the protagonist and his son. The man, played by Viggo Mortensen, seems to be weak because he hasn't had a meal in many days. But his mental capacity is overwhelming and it contributes to his status as the ideal post-apocalyptic hero. The boy is shaken and unstable on the inside, but on the outside he puts on a steely face and a brave front in support of his father. Both characters were well-played as Mortensen fits comfortably into the part of the unlikely hero and Kodi Smit-McPhee shines brilliantly as the supportive son.

Many would find "The Road" frustrating in that the plot leaves many questions unanswered. What caused the end of the world? This important mystery remains largely unsolved during the course of the film. Does the earth remain a wasteland forever? There is no epilogue or fantastic conclusion to "The Road" and therefore, there is no finality for the audience. Flashbacks to various pre-apocalyptic characters seem meaningless in that they do not contribute to the main portion of the film. Most significantly, the audience is shut out of this apocalyptic world and can only really see it from the outside. There is no method of immersion from either the writer or the film's director. This is not completely ruinous however, because withdrawal and insensitivity are two focal themes in "The Road." The seeming crusade of the man and the boy is painful enough to draw tears to one's eyes. But because of their nameless, distant natures it is hard to translate that inner emotion into empathy.

"The Road" moves slowly during its two-hour duration and focuses on small details and subdued actions. Those who read McCarthy's novel will be well prepared for its woeful demeanor. For the non-readers however, this film is still worth the while due to its excellent cinematography and thematic critique on human nature.