Another Netflix original? You betcha! Cargo (2018) full review

Australian horror films have rarely let me down and this one is no exception. Same goes for Netflix originals. Whatever their formula is, please don't stop! Cargo, about a man trying to find someone to care for his infant daughter in a post disease/zombie outback wasteland is a plethora of downtrodden desolation.

First off let me say that Cargo get's points off the bat for taking a tired, brain-eating genre and injecting an original take. The idea of a disease isn't new but the many facets of this film have rarely if ever been put together like this. The cinematography is crisp and clean with just enough starkness to convey the futility of it all.

A tale of utter despair...and hope.

First time directors Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke do an exquisite job bringing their tale to life, I look forward to their next venture. Martin Freeman (in a rare leading role) is perfect in his portrayal of Andy the father on a mission. What may be mistaken for blandness is actually a tribute to the reality of his character. He is just a man, yet a man with a giant dilemma and seemingly overwhelming odds. Also very strong are Simone Landers as Thoomi, the native girl hiding her reanimated father from the rest of the tribe and Kris McQuade as Etta, a kind soul encountered by Andy.

The film writhes with intrigue. Many questions are proposed but we benefit by knowing less here. The story moves at a medium pace but hurls many themes and emotional moments. The creatures, are they zombies? What of the evil of men and is Vic truly evil? Who is Etta? These questions will swirl and most will be hard to answer. Suffice it to say that Cargo will command your attention with strong performances and a unique if mysterious story line.

The film is as you may have guessed, not without flaws. There are some truly head-scratching actions and decisions by characters that while true to the lesser side of the genre should have been shored up. My biggest beef is with the lack of exploration of Etta. She is such a strong character but not only do we only get a fraction of her with no back story but her words to Andy go unheeded. Another thing is that the film while eventually injecting hope near the end is a real downer.

Vic: Evil or opportunist?

I liked Cargo very much and recommend it highly with only a few marks off for some bad character choices and missed opportunities. The film is a fascinating take on the "zombie" craze and another Netflix winner.

3.75/5 (7.5/10)