This Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Does Not Hold Together

Ridley Scott’s new film arrives after a summer dominated by action-heavy blockbusters, but it takes a markedly quieter route. The dystopian Western hybrid offers grand images and beautiful landscapes, yet the film’s style and themes do not settle into a convincing whole.

The movie has a prominent cast, with Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce in central roles. Its locations also provide much of its visual scale. The Italian Alps stand in for Colorado, giving the production spectacular and scenic surroundings.

Despite those elements, the film keeps its volume low. Rather than pushing toward the kind of spectacle associated with many summer releases, it proceeds in an unexpectedly subdued manner. The review presents that restraint as part of a broader imbalance in the film.

At 88, Scott remains capable of creating imposing cinematic images. But the visual achievement does not resolve the film’s underlying lack of cohesion, leaving the post-apocalyptic thriller unable to make its different parts work together.