These Final Hours (Movie Review)

Apocalyptic stories have been around for decades, or even centuries technically, with references to the end of days in religious manuscripts. When it comes to film and television, focusing a plot around the impending end of the world is one that has been done several times over to the point that there may be nothing new to bring to the table. However, director and writer Zak Hilditch decided to bring his own spin on the apocalypse trope with his film These Final Hours. Overall the film is bleak and beautiful, contains strong acting from the leads, and delivers a fresh take on an overdone premise. As strong as most of its components are, it does have weak points that keep it from becoming the revolution it could have been for viewers. 

Set in Australia, the world has been hit by a massive meteor which caused a fiery tsunami to wipe out Europe, the United States, and Asia with Australia last on the list. With only twelve hours left before Australia is wiped out, James (Nathan Phillips) leaves his newly pregnant mistress Zoe (Jessica De Gouw) to have one last epic party before death. Before he can make it to his girlfriend Vicky's (Kathryn Beck) party to end all parties, James comes across a young girl kidnapped by two men that intend to molest her. Choosing to hold some morality before death, James kills the two men and rescues young Rose (Angourie Rice). His final task before checking out becomes getting Rose to her father and seeing his girlfriend one last time.

It is within the initial set up that Hilditch creates a fresh dynamic for his players to navigate their doom. Most "end of the world" films revolve completely around diagnosing what is causing the widespread death and finding a means of survival. These Final Hours states right from the start that there is no hope which sets the stage for a level of believability from the plot points that follow. James' choice to attend a party would be goofy and almost satirical in another version of the film, but his reasoning to just forget everything before death makes a little sense at least. Moreover, the choice to make the end clear and defined gives the movie a tension on how high the stakes could possibly get after the set up. While the film is bleak, its equally as beautiful thanks to the cinematography and scene compositions. Most of the lighting seems natural and bathed in yellows and reds to remind the viewer that the world the characters are living in is covered in fire. Despite having several scenes of intense content such as child molestation and orgies, there is a taste level to suggest these moments rather than show. 

Hilditch hinges most of the movie on the dynamic between Rose and James, which thankfully to both of the lead actors, is a great choice. The performances are stellar, especially from young Angourie Rice who manages to portray a child but not fall into the typical "child in distress" mold. She is smart and aware of the world around her. James also has many moments of growth and change which are shown well through Nathan Phillip's underplayed but strong performance. However, the film drives its second act too much on the party of James' girlfriend. It cuts the great dynamic set up between Rose and James and goes on for far too long. The final act also cuts the ties too quickly which seems confusing and a little pointless overall. 

These Final Hours has many great moments and joints connecting it into the idea of a great film. Sadly, there are also key moments that don't fit in with the emotions and purposes Hildritch seems to be attempting for his film. While the movie is still good and worth a watch, it could have been a rejuvenation of the apocalypse genre.