Director David Robert Mitchell's latest film, 'The End Of Oak Street,' billed as a sci-fi survivalist thriller, delivers a narrative that critics are finding more unintentionally hilarious than terrifying. Set in 1982, the film explores the crumbling marriage of Denise and Greg Platt, played by Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.
Their suburban life, initially depicted with familiar elements of marital discord and neighborhood tensions, takes a sharp turn when a prehistoric element is introduced. Hints of strangeness, like a palm tree species long extinct, precede a cosmic event that transports the entire neighborhood to a prehistoric rainforest populated by dinosaurs. The film incorporates elements of time travel and dinosaurs, a combination that reviewer Brian Viner describes as "bonkers."
Viner notes that while the film aims for spine-tingling tension, as seen in Mitchell's previous work 'It Follows,' the actual effect is largely comedic. McGregor's character's attempts to escape a raptor-like creature evoke comparisons to comedic figures, and his performance relies on his recognizable expressions of consternation. Hathaway is noted for her capable handling of the preposterous plot, shifting into action mode with a glistening sheen of sweat.
Despite its narrative departures from conventional thrillers, the film offers echoes of Spielberg's 'Jurassic Park,' though it lacks the same internal logic. Instead, 'The End Of Oak Street' is recommended as a watch for a "family-size carton of popcorn," suggesting it functions best as light entertainment rather than a true survivalist tale. The film stars Maisy Stella and Christian Convery as the Platt children, Audrey and Brian, respectively.
Other films reviewed include 'Tony,' a biopic about chef Anthony Bourdain starring Dominic Sessa and featuring Antonio Banderas, which is described as "undercooked" despite Sessa's strong performance. "Sunny Dancer," starring Bella Ramsey, is praised as a funny, bold, and moving film about a teenager in remission from leukemia. "Lady," a mockumentary featuring Sian Clifford, and "Holy Days," a comedy set in New Zealand with Miriam Margolyes, Judy Davis, and Jacki Weaver, also received reviews. All mentioned films are currently in cinemas.