The World's End, Silence Included: A Review of Year 10
Ah, post-apocalyptic movies-where humanity's worst instincts play out under a blood-orange sky, and the phrase "survival of the fittest" seems like an unreasonably optimistic mantra. Year 10, directed by someone who clearly thinks dialogue is overrated, throws us headfirst into a bleak, no-holds-barred landscape where civilization has crumbled, cannibals roam the countryside, and even a whisper can ruin your day. Think Mad Max meets A Quiet Place, but with fewer explosions and more uncomfortable silences.
Let's talk stars: Alexander Anderson, Emma Cole, and Joseph Coleman. Three names you've probably never heard of unless you're their parents or overly enthusiastic IMDb users. But hey, fresh faces are a welcome change from the usual Hollywood line-up. I mean, how many more times can we watch Chris Pratt save the world while smirking? These newcomers bring a raw, unpolished energy that fits the film's gritty vibe, even if they occasionally look like they're figuring out their motivations mid-scene.
The Plot: A Mute Tale of Woe
The plot? Oh, it's a doozy. Anderson's character (we'll call him "Broody Hero" since names are apparently as scarce as dialogue in this film) embarks on a mission to retrieve stolen medicine from a gang of cannibals who murdered his dad. By the way, the medicine is the only thing keeping his girlfriend alive. No pressure. It's a classic hero's journey, except instead of wise mentors and epic training montages, he's got silent stares and bad decisions.
Here's the kicker: Year 10 doesn't just dabble in the art of silence-it commits. There is zero dialogue for the film's entire runtime. That's right, not a single word. Just grunts, meaningful looks, and the occasional scream. It's a bold choice, sure, but also one that made me feel like I accidentally sat through a 90-minute mime performance. While it amps up the tension, it also made me want to shout, "Somebody, for the love of all things apocalyptic, say something!"
What I Loved
Post-Apocalyptic Vibes: I don't know what it says about me, but I can't get enough of dystopian wastelands. There's something endlessly fascinating about watching society crumble under its own weight-or, in this case, a vaguely defined catastrophic event. The film nails the aesthetic: barren landscapes, crumbling infrastructure, and enough dust to make you cough just watching it.
Tense Scenes: There are moments in Year 10 that had me gripping my seat like it owed me money. One particular sequence, where Broody Hero sneaks into the cannibals' lair, is so nerve-wracking you'll find yourself holding your breath. Bonus points for making silence work as a weapon; every creak and footstep feels like a gunshot in the void.
Unknown Cast: This isn't your standard blockbuster fare with A-list actors chewing scenery. Anderson, Cole, and Coleman bring a fresh, grounded quality to their performances. You believe they're survivors, not just actors pretending to be miserable in designer rags.
What Made Me Roll My Eyes
Silent Treatment: Look, I appreciate the artistic ambition of ditching dialogue, but after a while, it felt like the film was playing a game of "how much can we frustrate the audience?" Spoiler alert: it wins. It's eerie, sure, but it also creates an emotional disconnect. There's only so much I can glean from furrowed brows and prolonged eye contact.
Silly Choices: Broody Hero's strategy-or lack thereof-left me screaming internally. Who ventures into enemy territory alone without a solid plan? Did we learn nothing from literally every heist movie ever? It's like the guy watched The Walking Dead but skipped all the survival tips.
The Ending: Without giving too much away, let's just say the conclusion is less "satisfying resolution" and more "frustrated groan." It's ambiguous in that artsy way that filmmakers love and audiences often don't. After investing so much tension and silence, I wanted a payoff, not a shrug.
Final Thoughts
Year 10 is an ambitious, moody film that's equal parts thrilling and maddening. It takes risks-some of which pay off, others that feel like artsy overreach. If you're a fan of post-apocalyptic stories and enjoy yelling "Why would you do that?!" at the screen, this one's worth a watch. Just don't expect it to hold your hand or give you closure.
Rating: 6.5/10.
It's a solid effort with moments of brilliance, but the silence and questionable character choices keep it from being a must-watch.
