Cast
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Danielle C. Ryan
as Kate Mitra
Kevin Sorbo
as Captain Hunter
Rocky Myers
as Rogan
Ruby Jones
as Nidal
Melanie Stone
as Hayley
Blake Webb
as Weston
Abigail Mason
as Anne
Andrew Dee Jones
as Snarl
Paul D. Hunt
as Bunyon
James C. Morris
as Snicker
Braxton McAllister
as Gorgon
Nicola Posener
as Computer System Voice
Deborah Lee Douglas
as Deborah (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- John Lyde
Writer
- John Lyde
Producer
- John Lyde
Reviews
Wuchak
**_A beautiful blonde and scenic Utah locations, but bad writing and contrived dynamics_**
After crashlanding on a planet, a young woman (Danielle C. Ryan) has to face two forms of humanoid threats to make it to her injured captain (Kevin Sorbo) and possible escape.
"Survivor" (2014) mixes the first act of the original “Planet of the Apes” with The Land of the Lost TV series (the Sleestak and caves), plus maybe a little “The Descent.” The rocky desert locations are outstanding (cited below) and Danielle is stunning with her long mane and fit body, but too much of the runtime focuses on her running around the landscapes while Sorbo’s role is basically limited to lying around with a broken leg.
Worse, there are too many glaringly posed shots and contrived choreographies. Plus, the ‘girl power’ element is laid on too thick, like when the heroine easily beats six athletic male antagonists. Why Sure! On top of all this is lousy writing, such as when the truth about the planet is revealed. I can’t blame the actors for the questionable acting, even the blubbering Weston (Blake Webb); the problem is the bad script.
If you want to see this type of Sci-Fi adventure done right on a TV budget, check out “The Lost Future” from 2010. It’s great; this one’s just eye-rolling.
It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in two areas of Utah. In the southeast: St. George, Sand Hollow Reservoir and Snow Canyon State Park; in the north: Starvation State Park and Provo to the west of there, along with South Fork Park, which is north of Provo.
GRADE: C-/D+
Oct 5, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Action/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Survivor distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John Lyde brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Survivor took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1916 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Survivor shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Soldier, which focuses more on action than character development, Survivor subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 28 Weeks Later and Battle Royale explore similar territory, Survivor stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 22, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 33m
