These Final Hours sets out exactly what it says on the tin and focuses on one man’s morality in the closing hours of the planet. Cheating on his long term girlfriend and fueling a lifestyle of drink, drugs and parties, James (Nathan Phillips) sets out to the party of all parties but in his tracks manages to see the evil side of humanity. At its midst a young girl who in his haste to do the right thing, manages to tag along and may be his one last chance at redemption.

 

Zak Hilditch’s film manages to pull at the heartstrings in about every way possible, not what you’d expect from a movie based around the end of the world and in between the madness and mayhem of the streets is a heartbreaking realization that there is hope in even the most hopeless. Amongst all of the poignant scenes is one where James’ reunites with his mother and the realisation that his past antics may be over, just in time for the closing storm.

 

There is something so raw about the performances that make each of the onscreen characters, as despicable as they may be, somehow relatable. When all is lost, what’s left to lose? Phillips is spectacular in the lead role and supported by a disturbing performance from Sarah Snook whose erratic behaviour adds dynamite to an already flammable situation.

 

With a small budget, Hilditch does so much by showing so little and the added voice over narrates a bigger picture of events ultimately leading to the very end. Hanging bodies, rage driven drunks and youth giving it all up, it’s hard not to feel alive by watching a film that is so depressing.

 

What we have here is less of a horror movie but a film that packs a powerful punch to the gut by focusing on real emotions. Despite it’s strange placing at this years FrightFest, it’s unusually toned down theme could make this one of the highlights from 2015’s festival.

 

Director: Zak Hilditch

Released: 2015

Running Time: 87 minutes

Age Rating: 15

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield