Z for Zachariah (film)

Z for Zachariah is a 2015 apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Craig Zobel and starring Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Chris Pine.

Written by Nissar Modi, it is based on the 1974 posthumously published book of the same name by Robert C. O'Brien, though the plot differs in some significant ways.

[2] Ann Burden, the seemingly sole survivor of a recent nuclear apocalypse, lives an agrarian life on her family's valley farmstead with her dog.

She is sheltered from the radioactive contaminants outside the valley by rocky hillsides, favorable weather patterns, and an abundant supply of ground-fed water.

He claims to be an engineer, who, aided by medicines and a radiation suit, walked from a distant government bunker to Ann's valley.

John unknowingly bathes in a radioactive spring, and immediately becomes sick with radiation poisoning, but is nursed back to health by Ann, who welcomes him into her home.

Mysterious phenomena, including missing eggs and glimpses of a shadowy figure at the chapel, culminate in the arrival of a third survivor, a man named Caleb.

After failing to wake John, seeming to want his affection, Ann joins Caleb in the adjoining bathroom, where the two engage in sexual activity.

The site's consensus states: "Z for Zachariah wrings compelling drama out of its simplistic premise -- albeit at a pace that may test the patience of less contemplative viewers.

[14] Max Nicholson of IGN awarded 7.7 out of 10, saying, "While the film isn't without a few tonal flaws, the performances -- particularly Robbie's -- keep the story grounded in a sublime, post-apocalyptic reality.

"[15] Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert.com awarded it two and a half out of four stars, saying, "There are many sharply written, directed and performed moments of illumination and anxiety.