When was the last time a zombie movie left you with a tear in your eye?
Let me just say at the outset I’m not really into zombie movies, so I was a little cautious when I heard the jerky suckers would feature. But let me ask a question when was the last time a zombie movie left you with a tear in your eye? For me never, until now. Another unique Aussie movie to be proud of.
Cargo is the story of Andy (Martin Freeman), his wife Kay (Susie Porter) and their baby girl Rose. We first meet them cruising down the river in a houseboat. They could be on an ideal family holiday if not for the zombies running amok on land. Realising they’re running out of food they contemplate having to return to land. Spying a discarded yatch they venture forth looking for loot, a decision that sees Kay tragically die and Andy infected.
With only 48 hours before he transforms into a zombie Andy sets out on land to find a new guardian for little Rosie.
Along the way he meets young Indigenous girl, Thoomi (Simone Landers), who’s on her own quest to cure her infected father. If they can make it back to Thoomi’s family and clever man (David Gulpilil) they might have a chance.
Together they must battle the environment, which includes locals like Vic (Anthony Hayes) the ultimate opportunist, oh and the prospect of running into a zombie or two.
Cargo is a clever thriller rather than a full out zombie-fest.
Freeman is a great choice to play the every-man faced with impossible situations. You soon forget his usual comedic turns as you buy into his deep love for Rosie, and growing compassion for Thoomi. I had no idea that Landers was not an experienced actor, she did a brilliant job, and it’s always good to see David Gulpilil.
The Australian scenery was suitably apocalyptic and the soundtrack with it’s indigenous inclusions was a delight. It really helped focus the emotions.
As the audience sat quietly at the conclusion, I held back a tear and thought, Martin Freeman has always been a favourite for his comedy and more recently for his Dr Watson role. This movie shows just how good he really is. The ecological messages maybe could have been handled more subtlety. I was intrigued to read in the credits that the film started out as a Trofest entry. How great is that?
For more information go to Luna cinemas.
