The Post-Apocalyptic Tale: Survival, Death, and Morals

Dimension Films

This is something I may do from time to time when I get really motivated. It may involve one movie or a few that revolve around some interesting idea or ideas or hints at some. Hopefully these posts will spark conversation with whoever happens to take the time to read them, because I'm aware they're a lot longer than normal.

What is so appealing about the post-apocalyptic tale? It seems to me to be the very essence of human survival. Unlike many survival stories that involve being lost in the wilderness, separated from mankind, or some variation on this scheme, there is no good and right civilization to return to. One doesn’t stumble out of the woods to collapse in the arms of a search and rescue crew or some flabbergasted family in route to a vacation spot. These stories rely on the sheer power of will and logic against inanimate forces, and it is assumed that the reward is finding ‘home’ and comfort again.

                Not so when the human race is on the line. There is nothing to return to. But everyone needs a goal, something to keep them going. So, why not head to the ocean? Or where we grew up? Or ‘I heard they have a [insert particular safe-haven] in [insert city], let’s go there.’ However, this only occurs when one wants a ‘happy ending’ to their story, like ‘I Am Legend’, or ’28 Days Later.’ A lot of sad and awful things have already happened, so why not give the audience something to feel good about? But these stories never stay with us for long.

                Its stories like ‘The Road’ or another movie I recently watched (that was surprisingly good for how simple it was) ‘Carriers’ that tend to floor you; especially ‘The Road.’ The drive for survival is still there and keeps people going, but they know (and we know) it will all end in death. That sounds silly to say because that’s just like normal, comfortable life, but therein is the paradox.