This Netflix original was really fantastic. Actor Martin Freeman really took full advantage of this leading role which is so far away from, and so much more powerful than what I'm used to seeing from him. The locations and use of natural light and casting of the indigenous people of South Australia are superb and really help to impact the film.
Freeman plays Andy, a husband and new father traveling with his family along the waterways of Southern Australia. At first it seems as though the family may be on holiday, until Andy sees a family camping along the river. The father flashes a gun as Andy was politely waving to the mans young daughters.
We quickly discover that something is seriously wrong, and it doesn't seem localized, but probably wide spread across the continent. As their supplies and rations are running low, Andy spots a sailboat that has run aground and nearly capsized. Andy cautiously boards the boat to find a copious amount canned foods and other things that will greatly lend to his families survival.
Andy returns and presents his findings with his wife, Kay (Susie Porter). An exhausted Andy retires to the cabin to take a nap, leaving his wife to crafting a mobile for little Rose, their daughter. Kay quickly finds a bottle of wine that Andy recovered from the partially sunken boat, that Andy has cleverly presented to her for their anniversary. This leads Kay to wanting to inspect the boat in an effort to repay the sentiment.
Andy wakes to find that Kay was viciously attacked while on the other boat. She is suffering from a gaping wound on her leg that is bleeding profusely. Then we find out about the sickness that has hit, at least Australia. Andy and family dock and travel on land in search of a doctor that could possibly help Kay. It apparently take 48 hours for the virus to completely take over it's host, so time is of the essence.
Once on land, we discover that the virus apparently causes it's host to become almost zombie like, as the infected crave blood and will consume flesh. As the virus progresses, it's host begins to lose control of their motor functions as well start to secrete a honey-like substance from their mouth and eyes. After escaping one of these "zombies", the family is involved in a car crash while trying to avoid someone, or something, standing in the road.
Some time passes as Andy was knocked unconscious due to the wreck, but as he awakens, he discovers this dying wife has left a message in blood, "Save Her". This is obviously in reference to their infant daughter Rose. Upon investigation, Andy discovers that a large tree branch has penetrated their vehicle and impaled Kay, who's face is now covered in the honey like substance. A short struggle ensues and after Kay bites Andy, Andy is forced to end her life.
As Andy assesses the future, he sets out with baby Rose to find someone who he can trust to care for Rose before his 48 hours expire.
At the start of his journey, Andy meets Josie (Natasha Wanganeen), a young Aborigines girl that has been feeding and hiding her turned father. She is very stand-offish and their meeting is short lived. After some other chance meetings, Andy and Josie rediscover each other and Josie tells Andy about a magic man that can help him with his sickness. Andy obviously follows Josie on her journey home.
This movie was really moving, mainly due to the fantastic presentation by Martin Freeman. I've always like him in anything I have ever seen of his filmography, however, I loved him in this film. His eyes portrayed the real depth of what it is to be a father trying to protect his child. The ability to risk everything about yourself, to ensure a better world for them.
I had guessed this was a "zombie" movie, and it does have a cool take on the genre, but this film was so much more than what I expected. I really want to recommend this film to everyone who reads this review. Definitely worth your time. Excellent film.
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