According to press materials, our protagonist’s name is Jake, but you wouldn’t know it from the film, because it is entirely free of dialogue. Evidently, ten years after the apocalypse (however it happened), there just isn’t anything left to say. Jake and his father are hunting traditional game, while the “Leader” and his people hunt human beings. Soon, they hunt Jake’s father, who sacrifices himself, to save Jake and his girlfriend-wife-whatever.
Unfortunately, while they evacuated their dugout, Jake dropped the meds his wounded partner desperately needs. To cure her, he must stalk the Leader’s pack of cannibal brutes. However, he must first replace the warm clothes they stole, so he must find some survivors who are even more vulnerable than he and his partner.
Year 10 is a relentlessly bleak and brutal film. Basically, it is like an entire movie consisting of the really disturbing parts of The Road. Believe it or not, the absence of dialogue never feels like a gimmick, particularly because the music composed by Mario Grigorov and Matt Hill so clearly communicates the underlying emotions of each scene.
However, it is hard to figure why all the survivors remain in such close proximity to each other. It is pretty clear the action had to stay within a pre-set production area. However, the crude sets and assorted clutter look realistically dreary and drearily real.
Regardless, Luke Massy’s fiercely malevolent portrayal of the Leader will define the film for most viewers. He never says a word, but it might be the scariest performance of the year. Frankly, Year 10 probably should be classified as a horror film, even though it is not really written as such, largely because of his work.
This movie is deeply sad too, but it is well-made and features some powerful performances. It is memorable and distinctive, but you will only watch it once. Recommended for preppers and survivalists, Year 10 is now available on VOD.
