The End We Start From (2023)

A thought-provoking dystopian survival drama based on the novel by Megan Hunter. The film stars Jodie Comer as the protagonist, an unnamed young mother, navigating a post-apocalyptic world in which rising floodwaters have devastated London, submerging it and much of England underwater.

The story opens as the protagonist and her partner, R (Joel Fry), eagerly await the birth of their first child. However, their joy is overshadowed by an environmental catastrophe that forces mass evacuations and threatens to dismantle the very fabric of their lives. As the waters rise, the family is forced to leave the only home they’ve known, joining countless others fleeing to temporary shelters and makeshift camps. The situation becomes more dire as the infrastructure collapses, supplies become scarce, and the initial organized response devolves into chaos.

With minimal belongings and no permanent shelter, the protagonist must adapt to the rapidly deteriorating conditions while raising her newborn, Z, amidst profound uncertainty and fear. The journey is harrowing and filled with scenes that juxtapose moments of terror and quiet intimacy. The bond between mother and child becomes her anchor, giving her resilience in the face of near-constant displacement and loss. As they travel, the protagonist encounters other survivors, each bearing their own stories of resilience and loss, illustrating the shared humanity of those struggling to survive in this harsh new reality.

The film poignantly captures the protagonist’s inner thoughts and anxieties, often shown in brief, poetic monologues. Her fears and reflections about motherhood and survival intertwine, as she contemplates how to nurture her child in a world on the brink. Meanwhile, R’s role as both father and protector is tested, and their relationship undergoes strain under the relentless pressures of survival.

The haunting visuals and bleak landscapes underscore the omnipresent threat of climate change, weaving environmental themes with intimate human experiences. Through carefully paced scenes and intimate close-ups, the film creates a visceral sense of isolation, both physically and emotionally, that complements the larger themes of resilience, displacement, and survival.

This is an emotionally charged narrative that explores the fierce instincts of a mother, the vulnerabilities of parenthood, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones in the face of unimaginable upheaval. Jodie Comer delivers a powerful performance, anchoring the film with her portrayal of a woman determined to create a semblance of hope and stability for her child, despite the unraveling world around her.

What does Mark Kermode think ?   https://youtu.be/5SrtIrtFa-M?si=eXUj-eVNrdn13n-o