Astraea

Astraea is an evocative and compelling post-apocalyptic drama released in 2015 that effortlessly lures in viewers into a new world order, forever changed by a devastating global pandemic. Directed by Kristjan Thor, the movie features commendable performances by Scotty Crowe, Jessica Cummings, and Nerea Duhart. A unique blend of drama, sci-fi, and thriller, Astraea makes an emotional score with striking simplicity and fearlessness.

The movie is set in a not-so-distant future where a pandemonic disease has wiped out most of the world's population, leaving in its wake a society struggling to find a new equilibrium. Astraea, the film's young and stubborn protagonist, played by Nerea Duhart, boasts a heightened sense of psychic cognition and stands as one of the survivors of this cataclysmic event.

Behind a strong female lead in Nerea Duhart, viewers follow Astraea and her half-brother Matthew, portrayed by Scotty Crowe, as they brave frozen landscapes in Nova Scotia to head towards the Atlantic coast. Relying on her premonitions and psychic abilities, Astraea believes family members have survived in distant Nova Scotia. The belief that they are not alone in this post-apocalyptic world is what propels them forward in their journey.

Considering the dire situation, Astraea and Matthew share a unique and peculiar relationship. Their companionship provides the emotional core of the movie. Matthew, protective, and resourceful, acts as the provider, while Astraea's sensitive yet strong-willed nature fosters her clairvoyant ability. Key to their survival are the trust and support they extend to each other in their symbiotic relationship, attempting to navigate through this dystopian world.

In this quiet and deserted world, they eventually cross paths with two other survivors, Callie and James, played by Jessica Cummings and Dan O'Brien. Their appearance disrupts the balance and tranquility Astraea and Matthew were maintaining. Slowly, Astraea's psychic abilities begin to reveal that not everything with Callie and James is as it seems, adding suspense into the narrative and raising questions of trust and human nature in desperate circumstances.

Striking is the film's ability to capture the intense relations between human beings within a setting that screams solitude. Moreover, the stunning cinematography and landscapes within the film invite contemplation while presenting a stark reminder of the inanimate world left in the wake of human decimation. Steeped with symbolism and metaphoric imagery, Astraea delivers the essence of a post-apocalyptic world while still accentuating the importance of human connections.

The movie isn't your conventional end-of-the-world story, featuring sprawling wreckage, and calamity of epic proportions. Instead, it presents a poignant tale of survival, companionship, trust, and the intrinsic human struggle to find meaning in life, even in dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. The hauntingly beautiful yet desolate snow-covered landscapes serve as a fitting backdrop, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to this grim but profoundly touching narrative.

From a performance standpoint, all actors do an admirable job of bringing their characters to life. Nerea Duhart's portrayal of Astraea stands out, convincingly capturing the potent mix of youthful hope and weighty responsibility. Scotty Crowe as Matthew effectively compiles a sympathetic character with his earnest performance, while Jessica Cummings and Dan O'Brien add further dimensions to the story with their mysterious characters.

Astraea, sharing its name with the virginal Greek goddess of innocence and purity, offers a thoughtful exploration of human relationships and morality amidst a cataclysm of remarkable scales. Its focus on the emotional and psychic human response to such massive crises, rather than on the ordinary fight-or-flight survival response, sets it apart in the genre of post-apocalyptic films.

Astraea carries a captivating magnetism, fueled by an immersive script, powerful performances, and thought-provoking subject matter. Overall, it's more than a film; it's an emotional journey that leaves viewers contemplating long after the screen fades to black. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, those looking for a deeper and more psychological approach to the post-apocalyptic genre should make room for Astraea on their must-watch list.