The film is stripped down and simple, which gives the story plenty of room to develop and build some intrigue, which the film does effectively in the beginning. However a few missteps in character and a lack of a more definitive conclusion reduce enjoyment of the film.
The main complaints:
-Character misstep
Our protagonist questions the status quo of the patriarch of the group. However we don't see anything to make us believe that she'd be correct to question this so her rebelliousness just seems petulant rather than justified. Their first meetings with the rider also seems unrealistic (for the film), especially as all we've seen up until this point is the rider as a very real threat. Their actions are also very unmotivated and, I hate to use this word, 'problematic' and is probably the main scene that takes you out of the movie and reduces any sympathy.
-Conclusion
The film asks many questions throughout the film about the world that once was and what lies beyond the fence. It provides some answers and clues but the main question isn't answered. You're given a few minor clues to what it could be, but nothing concrete to the point of understanding. It also takes away from one of the films reveals, where the revelation would be more shocking if we knew what the riders were guarding. This is also at the climax, which means it's the last thing you're left with. The film also ends somewhat ambiguously, but it feels like that should be where the final act begins, and you start to get some answers.
The moral of the story also seems to be a 'the grass isn't always greener' type analogy, however it is rather jarring when you consider the world is freezing, isolated island where you can barely survive.
However there are many good things...Such as:
-Great NZ scenery
-Fantastic production design
-The sound, script, acting create a sense of a sense that this is a real world, as well as an intrigue to see what will happen
-Doesn't spam you with exposition (I know it sounds hypocritical but there's a line between too much and not enough)
-Well paced
Overall, it's not amazing, but has enough going for it to be worth a watch. You might leave a little disappointed in the ending, but you won't feel as if you've wasted your time.
