Review of The Survivalist

The Survivalist lives up to its name. Taking place in a dystopian future where overpopulation leads to widespread famine, a man living by himself by a hut in the middle of the woods lives off the land and protects his livelihood. Things start to get sideways when he takes in an old woman and her daughter and an arrangement in agreed upon where he gives them food and shelter for a little poon tang from the younger daughter. The approach to the film is raw and viceral and is presented in a very realistic and downbeat manner. The acting is good and much is conveyed with little dialogue. You can feel the discomfort and tension and while I thought this was going to be more of an action piece, I can appreciate this as good for what it is and this indie thriller pulls no punches in its harsh, bleak portrayal.