PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Some of my personal favorite post-apocalypse stories encompass desolate landscapes after society has collapsed. Other personal favorite stories involve time travel and horrifying epidemic cases that effect human kind. One new indie film that combines all of this in one thoughtful and thrilling feature is a directorial debut by James Morrison called Diverge.
Opening on a barren landscape empty of all hope for survival, Chris Towne (Ivan Sandomire) and his wife, Anna (Erin Cunningham), scavenge a wasteland searching for any resources to keep them alive. As they travel, Chris uses what little remains of a medicine to treat his wife, who shows symptoms of a deadly virus. However, Chris’ world becomes bleaker when his wife succumbs to the infection, and he is left to carry on alone.
Hope is unexpectedly found when Chris encounters Dimitri Tarkov (Jamie Jackson). As a scientist who has dedicated his life to the study of theories involving time travel, Dimitri sends the widower to the days just before the virus was unleashed. In a race against time, Chris must avoid interaction with his past self, his wife and his son, all while attempting to convince Dimitri’s former self to help him prevent the apocalypse.
Through simplicity and a cleverly written story, Morrison brings his script to life with outstanding plot development and an incredible cast. Leaving just enough of the story shrouded in mystery, Diverge embarks on a journey of second chances and redemption. As everything is gradually revealed, Chris is left to make a decision in a nail-biting climax.
While Diverge has strong resemblance to The Road (2009) and 12 Monkeys (1995), it retains originality backed by great performances by Sandomire and Jackson. The two actors step up to the challenge of portraying two versions of their characters while adding a critical layer of emotion and suspense. The execution of these layered roles are crucial in making this feature the indie success that has earned four awards and seven nominations on the indie film festival circuit.
Any fans of post-apocalyptic sci-fi thrillers are sure to enjoy this suspenseful journey of greed, deception and the exploration of humanity. It’s films like these that prove simplicity, backed by raw talent and creativity, is never a bad thing.
