The Survivalist, a 2015 thriller written and directed by Stephen Fingleton, is a captivating story that went relatively unnoticed. Starring Mia Goth in one of her early prominent film roles, the movie preceded her rise to fame. Goth went on to deliver outstanding performances in various films such as A Cure For Wellness (2017), where she portrayed the innocent and vulnerable Hannah Von Reichmerl, Marrowbone (2017), where she portrayed a sibling coping with familial trauma, and the trippy Suspiria (2018), where she played the character Sara Simms in the remake. However, it is her notable portrayal of Maxine Minx and Pearl in Ti West's 2022 horror film X, as well as her roles in the prequel film Pearl and the upcoming MaXXXine, that have solidified her status. Although The Survivalist didn't receive the recognition it deserved, it is worth revisiting due to its grim and gripping narrative, exploring the challenges faced by characters in a post-apocalyptic world where they must rely solely on themselves.
What Is The Survivalist About?
In The Survivalist, a post-apocalyptic tale follows the journey of a mother and daughter as they search for a safe haven and learn the art of survival. Their encounter with The Survivalist (Martin McCann), the only other person they come across, introduces a moral dilemma that is characteristic of top-notch post-apocalyptic films. The protagonists must grapple with the issue of trust and determine how far they are willing to go to safeguard themselves.
Comparable to Gothic and Marrowbone, The Survivalist is a gripping thriller that often goes unnoticed. Both films deserve greater recognition and provide Mia Goth with an ideal platform to portray a character who constantly surprises. Initially appearing sweet and reserved, Goth's character gradually unveils her true nature, which adds a captivating element to the story.
Who Does Mia Goth Play In The Survivalist?
Mia Goth portrays Milja in The Survivalist, a character who encounters the protagonist alongside her mother Kathryn (Olwen Fouéré). Milja's transformation throughout the film is particularly noteworthy, as she initially relies on her trust in her parent and the hope for their safety. Much like The Road, a film based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, The Survivalist depicts a dire situation involving a parent and child. However, as the narrative progresses, Milja evolves into a pivotal figure in the fight against the antagonistic group known as "the raiders," presenting an essential turning point as she discovers significant seeds.
Moreover, Milja demonstrates her self-preservation instincts by poisoning and ultimately killing her own mother, Kathryn, instead of following through with her original task of eliminating The Survivalist. This shocking and visually captivating scene serves to emphasize the underlying theme of resilience amidst adversity. The harsh and unforgiving world portrayed in The Survivalist further contributes to the film's compelling nature, solidifying it as one of Mia Goth's most intriguing performances.
Mia Goth's versatile portfolio showcases a captivating spectrum of characters, each displaying a captivating combination of vulnerability and manipulative tendencies. Seamlessly weaving together these intricate layers, she demonstrates her remarkable talent. Whether immersing herself in the role of the sinister Gabi Bauer in Infinity Pool, an unsettling tale culminating in a shocking finale, or embodying the deceitful Pearl in X and Pearl, Mia Goth's characters consistently embody an air of untrustworthiness. It is precisely this elusive quality that makes them both thrilling and enthralling to witness.
How Does The Survivalist End?
In the conclusion of The Survivalist, viewers witness the tragic demise of the titular character at the hands of the raiders. Shockingly, these raiders are revealed to be cannibals, adding an extra layer of horror to their already terrifying nature. What makes them even more horrifying is their ability to conceal their primal instincts, distinguishing them from other infamous cannibals in the realm of horror movies.
Similar to The Last Of Us and other post-apocalyptic TV shows, The Survivalist concludes with a mixture of sadness, despair, and a hint of hope. Despite losing both Kathryn and The Survivalist, Milja appears to be doing okay. However, the daunting realization that she is bringing a child into a world forever altered leaves a profound impact. This particular facet of her character distinguishes The Survivalist as one of Mia Goth's most heart-wrenching films and sets it apart from others in the genre.
Upon discovering a compound, Milja contemplates whether she has finally found a safe haven to call her own. While awaiting the decision of the members who have to vote on her admission, a guard inquires about the name she has in mind for her baby. With an air of uncertainty, Milja responds, "If it's a boy..." and the movie concludes. Those who appreciate underrated thriller movies should make it a point to watch The Survivalist and witness yet another remarkable performance by Mia Goth.