Z for Zachariah is a 2015 science fiction drama film directed by Craig Zobel (Great World of Sound), starring Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Serenity), and Chris Pine (Star Trek). Based on the book of the same name by Robert C. O’Brien and movie focuses on two men and a young woman find themselves in an emotionally charged love triangle as the last known survivors in the wake of a disaster that wipes out most of civilization

The story follows a young woman named Ann (Robbie) who’s the last person alive in a valley protected from the disaster that’s wiped out most of civilization. However, one day she comes upon John (Ejiofor) who wanders into the valley and she nurses him back to health. After growing close and potentially forming a romance, Caleb (Pine) comes upon the valley, throwing the three into a tense triangle as they attempt to rebuild civilization.

If you’re a fan of the book you’ll probably have some issues with the story as it does deviate heavily from its source material. Instead of it being this story between these two characters that begins to deteriorate it’s about this love triangle in which two men vie for the affections of a woman. This drama isn’t a thriller but it does have deeper elements to the tension between John and Caleb including faith and race. There is something there yet the movie does feel safe, not delving into the darker elements of the growing tension and jealousy that could’ve pushed the film into a darker tone. Still, despite the deviation from the source material it does take the concept and forge it’s own thing. Now, that’s not to say that the concept is entirely original (because other movies have their versions of this concept) but it’s unique in its deliverance which makes it a nice enough experience that’s enjoyable but doesn’t quite hit the mark that it could’ve. The ending was pretty open ended that could’ve eluded to a lot things that could’ve potentially led to a story closer to the book. (3 out of 5)

I really thought the characters were well defined the changes to the them and the introduction of a new one. The movie starts off with farm woman Ann (Robbie) who’s sweet, likable and the social awkwardness of her character is pretty understandable given the situation. You have science researcher John (Ejiofor) who Ann meets and nurses him to health whom she does develop a potentially romantic bond with. You like John’s logical characteristics and him as a potential love interest for Ann despite their differences of science and spirituality. But their relationship gets complicated when a mine worker named Caleb (Pine) appears. Caleb isn’t as much of a bad guy as he appears. He’s younger, more charismatic, and has better chemistry with Ann; so his presence does create tension. But the thing is, he’s as good a guy as Ejiofor so it’s pretty hard to figure out who’re you rooting for. Still, I thought the characters were all just great with unique relationships with each other as they try to survive this catastrophe. (4 out of 5)

Really enjoyed seeing some of my favorite actors just giving brilliant performances. Margot Robbie’s fucking great and I’ve always been impressed with the work that she’s done. She’s definitely helped to make this a favorite. I’m a huge fan of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine and I really liked watching the chemistry between these two. I really enjoyed the chemistry both had with Robbie. This is an all star cast who do a fantastic job of carrying the movie from start to finish. (5 out of 5)

Visually this is a really appealing film. The beautiful wideshots of the mountains, the forest, and waterfall scenes (which were probably some of the best) are just breathtaking. The long shots of the valley and characters feel simple yet the focus makes them stand out more. The little scenes between characters do a fantastic job of actually conveying the emotional depth or emotional tension thanks to Tim Orr’s careful cinematography and the high production design. There are a few problems with the visuals where as everything does feel a bit too polished (for example the haircuts look too clean and John and Caleb should look malnourished and starved but don’t). (3 out of 5)

The music is surprisingly deep emphasizing emotional tones through simple notes. There’s a strong focus on drawn out melodies that adds an emotional weight to the scenes and overall setting. The music was composed by Heather McIntosh and I give her two thumbs for how well the music worked. I love hearing Ann on the church organ cause it makes me tear up every time, especially with the addition of the strings. (4 out of 5)

Overall, Craig Zobel does a really good job of directing this adaptation. I haven’t watched anything else he’s done but throughout the film I like his focus of characters and the undertones that they touch upon. I like the racial and religious overtones to the way the characters deal that don’t feel overly blatant but natural to their personalities and to the situation. The changes from the other book are not bad for the story that the script was going for. This film can be seen as a clash between science and religion, especially considering Loomis’ atheism against Ann and Caleb’s strong faith in God. But I do feel that the film’s too safe in its approach to distinguish itself as both an adaptation of the book and an original film loosely based on the book. Perhaps if the movie were to build from its original script then turn towards the events at the end of the book with John possibly going mad with jealousy and pursuing Ann then it would’ve taken the necessary risk to jump from this safe zone while being closer to the source material. Still, it’s a good film and the direction and writing work. (3 out of 5)

In the end, Z for Zachariah is definitely a good movie though it’s not for everyone. If you like great characters, direction, beautiful scenery and soundtrack, and great acting, this is definitely the movie for you. Is it a pure adaptation? No, and fans of the book will probably have a problem with this. But as a movie it’s still a pretty good viewing experience. Z for Zachariah gets 4 out of 5.