They Will Outlive Us All

They Will Outlive Us All is a 2013 film that is both scintillating and unexpected. This post-apocalyptic comedy-drama directed by Patrick Shearer is set in 2016 New York City, projecting an environment where constant storm and city-wide transport dysfunction have become the new normal.

It isn't just Texas Chainsaw Massacre-style horrors or thriller appearances of extra-terrestrial creatures that constitute a horror movie. In fact, in this case, Shearer has combined an eerie setup while simultaneously telling a touching, dark comedy story. This phenomenal piece uses non-entities such as cockroaches and rats in different scenarios through the movie to subtly display the transformation of platonic relationships into familial bonds amid chaos and hazard.

Starring Jessi Gotta, Nat Cassidy, and Alyssa Simon, They Will Outlive Us All follows the story of roommates Margaret (Gotta) and Daniel (Cassidy). The duo has been surviving in their Queens apartment, trying to make sense of their surroundings. Their only concerns initially seem to be the scarcity of good bourbon and the lack of public transport system until their quiet, messy existence is disrupted by ominous signs of unusual activity.

As they navigate their dystopian environment, their encounters with a peculiar landlord, erratic weather, and a series of mysterious disappearances in their huge building, indicating the unknown waiting to unveil itself. Amid the mystery unfolding and the threat building gradually, the resilience, courage, and unity of Margaret and Daniel come to the fore. The film interestingly descends into a unique blend of B-movie horror with earthquake-level environmental destruction, yet maintaining a light-hearted comedic backdrop that keeps the audience engaged.

Scripted by Jessi Gotta, the movie is a commentary on our stark and scary future, underlined with consciousness about our environment, the aspects of urban decay, pest infestations, and the resilience of humanity. The movie showcases how the protagonists found intimacy in moments of shared experiences and terror, and the context of the situations emphasizes that even in the face of daunting horror, we, as human beings, can unearth the strength, laughter, and love we didn't know we had.

What brings life to the characters of Margaret and Daniel in They Will Outlive Us All is the powerful performance by Gotta and Cassidy. Gotta brings a gritty realism to her role as Margaret. She portrays an uncanny mixture of resilience, determination, and vulnerability, making her character believable and endearing. Cassidy's portrayal of Daniel provides a delightful contrast to Margaret. His comical one-liners, frustration, and snarky commentary provide a much-needed comedic relief. These performances, coupled with their chemistry, make for an engaging narrative.

The film also skillfully incorporates elements of mystery and suspense that keep the viewer eagerly anticipating each new turn. This genre-blending movie complements the Sci-Fi theme with distinctive traces of absurd comedy that was perhaps intended to induce laughter, but simultaneously shudders as well. Oddly reminiscent of a Twilight Zone episode, the strange occurrences cause a comfortable apartment to transform into a bizarre nightmare that is profoundly uncomfortable yet entertaining.

The setting, a nearly derelict high-rise building coupled with New York City's panorama, effectively enhances the eerie backdrop. In particular, the gloomy visuals, clever production design, and commendable cinematography contribute significantly to the movie's overall ambience, keeping the audience gripped throughout its length.

They Will Outlive Us All is more than just a horror film; it also serves as a metaphorical depiction of real-life fears and anxieties about the future, and our ability to cope with it. Despite the movie's horror elements and socioeconomic commentary, the heart of this film lies in the relationship between the two central characters, which remains consistent even when faced with apocalyptic scenarios.

In summary, They Will Outlive Us All is a unique take on prognostic living conditions narrated through enthralling performances and a distinct narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of genre-bending cinema. It immerses its audience in an atmospheric tale filled with suspense, humor, and unexpected turns, that both entertains and makes one ponder about their resilience in the face of adversity.