Margo (2016)
Starring Lauren Schaubert, Brady Suedmeyer, Abby Hickey
Directed by Matthew Packman
Slow-burners can be dissected for days (unfortunately, that’s how long some of them can feel like) – in any event, director Matthew Packman’s dramatic-thriller Margo leads us on a very long journey, ultimately dropping us off in a futile situation for its main characters and delivering a fairly emotional trip for viewers.
Set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic world, Libby (Schaubert) and her main squeeze (Suedmeyer) spend their days hunting for food, supplies, and shelter. Their connection is pure, virtuous, and uncomplicated – the chemistry between the two portrayals works extremely well, and the hope is that these two can survive this existence… wishful thinking, huh?
After one specific gathering expedition leads them to entirely the wrong place to be, Libby and her beau find themselves hunted and on the run. The next character to enter the fray is Margo (Hickey), and needless to say, the tension levels between Libby and her are off the charts, and it manifests itself in some pretty brutal fashion. What transpires is really something that should best be viewed by the audience, as it plays a very large part in the remainder of the film (plus I don’t want to look like Mr. Spoiler for any prospective watchers).
The performances are fairly solid from the main three characters, and while the outlying devastation isn’t necessarily seen, the mood is heavy and gray, setting up a picture that’s nicely painted. Overall, the movie’s main hook is the urgent need for togetherness in this new and cruel world, and Packman bleeds this out over the long haul (sometimes a little TOO long). Is the urgency for companionship in a dystopian world worth all the pain and suffering one can suffice? Only time will tell, but Margo is a pretty decent way to spend that time pondering that very question.
Give this one a look if it makes its way around to you.
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Film
Categorized:Reviews
