The Rover
Starring: Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy
Director: David Michôd
Rating: 3.5/5
It was back in 2011 when David Michôd made his feature film directorial debut with Animal Kingdom, now he is back with The Rover.
The Rover sees Michôd reunite with Guy Pearce, but he will work with Robert Pattinson for the first time.
The Rover is set in a world 10 years following the collapse of society. The rule of the law has disintegrated and life is cheap. The film follows hardened loner Eric (Pearce) as he travels the desolate towns and roads of the outback.
When a gang of thieves steals his car, they leave behind a wounded Rey (Pattinson) in their wake. Forcing Rey to help track the gang, Eric will go to any lengths to take back the one thing that still matters to him.
I was a huge fan of Animal Kingdom and was really looking forward to what Michôd did with his second feature. While The Rover doesn't quite reach the dizzy heights of Animal Kingdom, it certainly doesn't disappoint.
First and foremost, The Rover is beautifully shot, as Michôd really depicts the desperate and difficult times in which this movie is set.
For anyone who doesn't like violence, this is perhaps not the film for you as this is blood-splattered ride from start to finish.
This really is a dark and very intense movie - you really may have to go and watch something a little lighter by the time the credits roll on this.
But what really makes this movie are the central performances from Pearce and Pattinson.
Pearce has given some excellent performances during his career, and this is another that is right up there.
Pearce plays a dark and dangerous character full of rage and his performance really will keep you on the edge of your seat: you are never sure what he is going to do next. I have to say, it was totally riveting.
We all have our ideas on the kind of actor that we think Pattinson is... throw all of those thoughts aside, as he delivers a performance that will make you change your mind.
Pattinson is trying to shake off the shackles of Twilight and take his career in a new direction - there is no doubt that he does that with this terrific performance. It really is like nothing that we have seen him tackle or deliver before.
Pearce and Pattinson make a very interesting screen pair, and this really is a film about two very lost souls. They really do make this film; however, there is some very assured directing from Michôd.
The Rover is a gritty, dark, and violent movie that really is unlike anything else we have seen this summer. I found it quite refreshing!!!
The Rover is out now.