If you watch enough dystopian dramas or post-apocalyptic films, these four words could be the exact call a distressed character needs to be rescued, or the threat that will draw them into an even more deadly situation than merely surviving a zombie apocalypse or natural disaster. To be honest and fair, just by the looks of Liam, he could use a lot of help. Out of breath, shell-shocked, and unaware of his surroundings, Liam's also lost his motor functions and he has no memory of who he is. But Chester is there like a guardian angel arriving just in the nick of time; to clothe, bathe, and help his new friend recover his speech and selfhood.
To Liam, and later a second survivor Mel (Kaylee McGregor), what's going on around and to them should set them on edge. Who or what war does Liam and Mel need saving from? How does Chester remain so cool and collected when his cottage rests on the border of endless airstrikes? Has the world truly ended or is it some kind of facade? In the precarious world of Littermates, their newfound home is a relatively perfect safe haven - comfortable enough for the characters to create a make-shift family complete with the younger adults vying for attention and acceptance from Chester. Within their four comfortably furnished walls complete with electricity, Chester doles out nifties, or coins, for good behavior and actions, and can be redeemed for time in the hot tub, music with headphones, dance party, karaoke, or an adventure in the forest. As far as the eye can see, there isn't aid nor further distressed survivors for miles despite the endless airstrikes in the background. If they're safe, what is there to argue or fight against?
Breaking the film into chapters - nifty, mel, tattle, and kin – the tension builds as the story mostly focuses on the dynamics between the characters. With a small cast of three, Bader, McGregor, and Woolf avoid playing into the extended world-building with wide-eyed innocence, teenager-angst, and guarded connection. An appearance of familiarity and routine camouflages the disorientation behind their bond along with Mike Woloson's (who also serves as co-writer) cinematography steadily panning the world around them, and composer Noa Margalits's dreamy score. Equal parts unsettling, wry, and emotionally engaging, the film strikes an unique balance between dystopia and coming of age.
Nothing about Littermates is typically “normal” as the mysteries looms large for most of its running time. Director and writer Scott Tinkham with Woloson and their crew draw on a clever slow-burn to make the surreal feel ordinary, building toward memorable and worthwhile twists. Any dystopian stereotypes Tinkham and Woloson could take advantage of are refreshingly avoided as they hold strong focusing on the characters and tone much like Yorgos Lanthimos' Bugonia and The Lobster. It's one of several films in recent memory where I suggest going into with as little knowledge of the full plot as possible; its inventive and intriguing concept is difficult to shake long after its over when you're left to indulge in the surprises.
Rating: ★★★★★
Note: This review is provided with the availability of a screener. All opinions are my own.
