Their Journey Begins… When Civilization Ends

A Downstream review by Charles F. Rosenay from Horror Happenings:

There are basically two types of post-apocalyptic genre films: one where we think there’s only one person left alive, and one where a whole new barbaric existence has evolved from society’s fall. Some are small works while others are grandiose better-known epics (Mad Max, 12 Monkeys, End of Days, Waterworld, 9, I Am Legend plus countless zombie films all come to mind, especially George Romero’s classics). We love all the zombie ones, because they’re reliable variations of a theme. Others, like Philip Kim’s Downstream, hit the road running and you never know what directions they’ll take.

Downstream may be the best post-apocalyptic film ever. It takes us past the end of the world as we know it, focusing on an atypical road-warrior-esque hero trying to find a utopian territory aptly called “Plutopia,” where a new, rebuilt and hopefully normal civilization may or may not be waiting for him. He is joined by his dog “Lugosi” (extra points for that one!).

Two important things make for a successful post-apocalyptic film: they can’t be boring and they can’t be predictable. There are no boring moments in Downstream, and you never know what direction it’s going to take. Well-written and equally well-directed, with some cutting-edge split screen cinematography, there’s no reliance nor need for a Schwarzenegger or Mel Gibson to carry the action. What we do have is a memorable over-the-top Billy Drago, at his manic best. His scenes will remain etched in your mind, along with the film’s horrific and very disturbing “diner” encounter.

Downstream never pokes fun at the genre, offers no comic relief, and never is apologetic for its blood and violence. Film aficionados and critics alike will applaud the passion, intensity and unsettling directions the film-makers have invested in this near-classic. Without spoiling the ending, we’ll just say that we anxiously await the writer or director’s commentary when the extras come out on disc. And this is one time where we also hope there’s a sequel down that unpredictable road.