Inferno

Inferno, directed by Fred Olen Ray and released in 1997, is a post-apocalyptic action and adventure movie. Cinematic enthusiasts partial to action-filled thrillers and plots with a touch of dystopian themes would find this movie especially appealing. With a distinguished cast that includes Don Wilson, Evan Lurie, and Deepti Bhatnagar, this adrenaline-laden film is truly a remarkable presentation.

The plot of Inferno is set sometime in the distant future, after earth has been scorched by the sun's merciless heat because of disastrous climate change. This has turned the previously verdant and lively planet into a desolate wasteland, where inhabitants must learn to cope or die in the harsh environment. The extreme weather and scarcity of resources have given rise to rampant lawlessness, creating a harsh world where the strongest and most ruthless are the ones who survive.

The protagonist of this tale of survival amidst the harshness of a brutal desert world is Eddie Lomax (Don Wilson), a distinguished yet disgraced ex-military man. As the story unfolds, Lomax finds himself in the desert, broken and nearly dead, after a series of tragic events. He is discovered by a group of desert dwellers who save his life and gradually nurse him back to health, despite their limited resources. As Lomax recovers, he learns about the hardship endured by this noble group that saved him, sparking a sense of duty and revenge within him.

Meanwhile, survival in the scorching desert has given rise to vicious gangs, led by the brutally powerful and villainous Tagg (Evan Lurie). Tagg and his gang indulge in treacherous activities—holding control over all the lifesaving water and food supplies, and robbing innocent dwellers on a whim in the lawless desert world. Gaining knowledge of their atrocious actions, Lomax makes it his mission to confront the gangs and reclaim justice and resources for the dwellers.

What follows is a furious blast of action as Lomax, a man with a cause, goes against the gangs, using all his military skills to confront and undermine Tagg and his associates. Inferno serves an explosive action saga, with plenty of car chases, fights, and weapons coming into play, all against the backdrop of the desert and its alkaline dust.

As a love interest to Lomax, the charming character of Rhonda (Deepti Bhatnagar) adds a touch of romance to the plot. Her resilience in difficult times, combined with her courage and strength, makes Bhatnagar's character stand out and adds a whole new dimension to her relationship with Lomax. This connection adds an undertone of humanity and tenderness amongst the guns, desert, and fearless combat.

One key aspect of Inferno is how the film uses its setting to construct an engaging environment. The desert is more than just a location; it's a character, setting the tone for the narrative, from the dry, bitter winds, relentless sun, and the vast expanse of sand serving as the arena for the high-octane conflicts. The film successfully uses the harsh climate and the scarcity of life-giving resources as a fitting backdrop for character evolutions and conflicts while also creating an atmospheric effect.

The performances by the lead actors are nothing less than riveting. Don Wilson as Lomax presents a strong figure with a mission. His combat scenes are thrilling and engaging. Evan Lurie gives a solid performance as the villain, relying not only on his towering physical presence but also on the brutality of his character to send fear into the hearts of viewers. The chemistry between Wilson and Bhatnagar is noteworthy, making their romantic subplot both convincing and heartwarming.

In conclusion, Inferno is a high-intensity, action-packed film set in a post-apocalyptic world with a stirring storyline, perfectly timed action sequences, and convincing performances. Its amalgamation of elements like survival, revenge, bravery, and justice, embedded with a sprinkle of romance, make it a must-watch for fans of action and adventure genres. Considered to be one of the better films within this genre during the late '90s, Inferno successfully delivers a vigorous yet heart-stirring tale of survival under extreme harshness and the enduring spirit of humanity.