Post-apocalyptic fiction is about collapse: the collapse of civilization, most obviously, but also the collapse of values. The recent spate of 'family post-apo' (The Road, Birdbox, The Last of Us, etc.), tend to contrast a cohesive family unit with the moral wasteland out there. The implied subtext is that family values (respectful children, responsible parents), seemingly undermined in our own pre-apocalyptic world, would flourish once again in the face of anomic adversity. This is perhaps starting to get a little formulaic, but it is a great narrative device and I generally enjoyed most of those films.
Enters Arcadia. Here instead of the strong bonds born of the grit of collapse, you have a fairly stereotypical tale of prodigal brothers, the clever geek and the popular jock, with single-dad Nicolas Cage (as.distraught as ever) trying to keep the balance.
There are quite a few good and unexpected twists, some interesting monsters and the production value is all around pretty high, but other wise it is as filled with petty teenage squabbles as it is lacking in the social observation that distinguishes the finest exemplar of 'family postapo'. At the best of times it seems like a clichéd version of the above-mentioned films, and at its worst it feels like an attempt to fuse them with young adult tropes.
Enters Arcadia. Here instead of the strong bonds born of the grit of collapse, you have a fairly stereotypical tale of prodigal brothers, the clever geek and the popular jock, with single-dad Nicolas Cage (as.distraught as ever) trying to keep the balance.
There are quite a few good and unexpected twists, some interesting monsters and the production value is all around pretty high, but other wise it is as filled with petty teenage squabbles as it is lacking in the social observation that distinguishes the finest exemplar of 'family postapo'. At the best of times it seems like a clichéd version of the above-mentioned films, and at its worst it feels like an attempt to fuse them with young adult tropes.
Tell Your Friends