Ridley Scott adapts Peter Heller's 2012 dystopian novel into a meditation on survival and isolation, following a mechanic-pilot named Hig navigating a pandemic-ravaged world in 2035 with his companion dog. The film eschews the spectacle typical of post-apocalyptic cinema, instead pursuing a contemplative, humanistic approach that prioritises psychological endurance over action sequences. Jacob Elordi leads the cast—critics view it as a defining moment in his emergence as a leading actor—alongside Margaret Qualley.

The critical reception reveals sharp disagreement. Reviewers consistently acknowledge Scott's visual mastery and the film's measured tone, yet debate whether this restraint enriches the storytelling or undermines it. Some critics champion it as a restrained, emotionally mature work ranking among Scott's strongest recent efforts, whilst others contend the adaptation mutes the source novel's narrative momentum, becoming a slow-moving affair that demands sustained audience investment. The narrative also pivots significantly in its final act, departing from Heller's original ending. Despite several critics noting inadequate promotional support, the film represents Scott's deliberate move away from the bombastic conventions dominating the genre.