In “Survive,” a French movie, we have an exciting blend of disaster and survival genres that delivers just as promised. Directed by Frédéric Jardin and penned by Matt Alexander, this film is all about a family of four desperately struggling to survive after a worldwide catastrophe. Though it may not be exceptionally original, it remains an enjoyable watch.

The movie “Survive” starts by providing some background information: “Ever since its creation, Earth has gone through five major extinctions. We’re now witnessing the sixth one.” This brief introduction gives us an idea of the narrative we’ll be following. Rather than delving into the causes and details of this impending disaster, Jardin and Alexander opt for a more conventional storytelling style – establishing the high stakes, creating suspense, and escalating the danger for a thrilling and swift 85-minute watch.

Away from the shores of Puerto Rico, Cassie (Lisa Delamar), her spouse Tom (Andreas Pietschmann), along with their children Julia (Émilie Dequenne) and Ben (Lucas Ebel), are enjoying a brief vacation on their small yacht in the Caribbean Sea. Following an enjoyable evening commemorating Ben’s 13th birthday, their journey takes a disastrous turn as the Earth’s poles abruptly switch positions. As burning satellites plummet from the heavens and the altering currents beneath cause the sea waters to surge toward land, they find themselves in peril.

In fierce storm, the boat carrying the family is violently overturned, leaving them unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, they discover their damaged vessel has run aground on a former seabed, now transformed into a barren desert wasteland. Questions about the catastrophe that led to this desolation instantly arise, but the movie provides no answers. It’s implied that the sea, presumably, has swallowed up much of the earth, leading to massive loss of life on the continents.

Overwhelmed and without a clear path forward, the family now finds themselves in a situation where they must learn how to endure. The initial step Tom takes is to fix the radio so he can reach out to another oceanographer named Nao (Olivier Ho Hio Hen), who was underwater when the tide receded. Nao tells them that his equipment suggests the water will return within a week’s span. With no other alternatives, the family embarks on the challenging and lengthy journey towards Nao’s submersible boat, which is located miles away.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, the tension was already high with time working against us. Yet, the danger level skyrocketed when this eerie character (Arben Bajraktaraj) unexpectedly entered the scene. To make matters worse, hordes of ravenous crabs from the abyss appeared, their hunger fueled by the scarcity of oxygen. These bizarre creatures add a touch of absurdity to the chaos, yet they perfectly embody the movie’s love for genre quirks.

Jardin is commendable for achieving so much with a supposedly small budget. Filmed on-site in Morocco, Jardin constructs expansive and barren backdrops that perfectly set an ominous tone, which he skillfully utilizes. Strategically placed digital effects intensify the thrill. Admittedly, some aspects may seem over-the-top or illogical, but the family dynamics inject emotional depth, while the swift tempo keeps viewers riveted to the screen without a moment’s pause.

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2025-01-09 18:57