Considering that the end of the world as we know it will likely be the most important, shocking and insane event in our planet’s existence, it’s surprising how bland apocalyptic films can be. There are exceptions to the rule—This is the End and Melancholia felt quite different than what we’re used to in the genre—but most films usually squander an interesting idea; take 4:44 Last Day on Earth or Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. A quick and dirty version of the last day of life, These Final Hours falls into the latter category. It’s nothing that we haven’t seen before and is never quite as compelling as it hopes to be.
With only a dozen hours left in humanity, James (Nathan Phillips) must decide between his two girlfriends: Zoe (Jessica De Gouw), the mother of his unborn child who waits for the end at a beachside apartment, or Vicky (Kathryn Beck), who is partying the rest of her time away at the rager to end all ragers. Knowing that the end will hurt like hell—especially since a tidal wave of fire from a comet hitting earth is headed their way—James takes the self-centered route, gets some alcohol and cocaine in his system and heads to the party.
On his way, he sees the young Rose (Angourie Rice) being abducted by two men. Even though actions don’t exactly matter anymore, James rescues her. Rose wants to find her father before the flames engulf them all, but James would rather forget the end is near and simply get to his party.
Writer-director Zak Hilditch has no interest in giving us any background on James or anyone else, only that he has a decision to make—and on this final day, that’s all that matters. The approach makes sense, but it doesn’t afford us a connection to the characters beyond this simple black-and-white choice.
While we’ve seen plenty of post- and pre-apocalyptic Australian films (Mad Max, last year’s The Rover), Hilditch depicts the recent panic of Perth via glimpses of its horror. A person who has hung himself by a light post or the violence at the aforementioned party informs us just what the idea of no future has done to this community in such a short time.
Hilditch and Phillips make James’ decisions feel natural, and the film’s final moments are realistically conflicted. The cinematography by Bonnie Elliott and music by Cornel Wilczek lend the oncoming experience added heat. Yet despite Phillips’ performance and those of the supporting cast around him, the story keeps its characters at arm’s length. Just 87 minutes long, These Final Hours is a quick trip that lacks the depth and originality it deserves, but it still creates some spectacular moments along the way.
Director: Zak Hilditch
Writer: Zak Hilditch
Starring: Sarah Snook, Jessica De Gouw, Nathan Phillips, Daniel Henshall
Release Date: March 6, 2015
Ross Bonaime is a D.C.-based freelance writer and regular contributor to Paste. You can follow him on Twitter.