The Road

A post apocalyptic movie of the highest quality drenched in the murkiest atmosphere and wrapped in the darkness of grey fumes evaporating from a dying planet. We don’t know why exactly, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is survival. To eat and not get eaten. Viggo Mortensen is at his best and his little side-kick Kodi Smith-McPhee plays a great supporting role. These two under the firm direction of John Hillcoat push the dolly forward at a slow and contemplative tempo towards an ending which is not exactly impressive, but fairly logical. And that’s about it. (19/03/2010)

I wasn’t disappointed. The film moves slowly, but keeps a magic and unique atmosphere. The beautiful camera work deserves praise, it captures that desolate and dark environment without a single glimpse of greenery and without any sign of life – I think the poster alone says a lot. Will, hope and love, that's what this unconventional adventure is all about. (21/02/2012)

Hillcoat certainly didn't do badly here and in fact, I can't imagine if McCarthy’s book could have been adapted more faithfully. However, like the Coen brothers, the film is brought down by the poor rewrite that simplified some passages for the film medium, and cut others, and yet added nothing of its own. I appreciate the austere work with images, which doesn't push the viewer into the popular post-apocalyptic depression, but rather strums on grimly sad strings, like the musician Nick Cave. Regardless, I’m glad Hillcoat had the balls to film it the way he did. On the other hand, the aftertaste of uselessness cannot be repelled, at least in my case. Seven thumbs up out of ten. I think I'll go to the movies. I’m afraid of Blood Meridian. (24/01/2010)

Uncompromising with every step, a film that doesn't hold back and can be quite a solid punch for the viewer. Mortensen is very believable and the production design is excellent. A bit slow-paced and, for my taste, lacking in plot twists, but still satisfying. Some scenes are very chilling. (26/06/2010)

A sensitive and adequate adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's short story, as much as it can be. The truth is that what in the original referred somewhat to the elusive heights of "divinity", "sympathy" and "humanity" logically clings to mud and dust in the film. In my opinion, it could not have been shot any better or in a more raw way. However, it could have been tighter. (24/04/2010)