Credits Distributed by Lionsgate Roadside Attractions
Production companies Zik Zak Filmworks Lucky Hat Entertainment Grindstone Entertainment Group Night Fox Entertainment Silver Reel Lotus Entertainment Material Pictures Sighvatsson Films
Directed by Craig Zobel
Written by Nissar Modi
Based on Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien
Produced by Stephen Bannatyne Steven Johnson Sophia Lin Tobey Maguire Skuli Fr. Malmquist Matthew Plouffe Sigurjón Sighvatsson Thor Sigurjonsson
Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor Margot Robbie Chris Pine
Cinematography Tim Orr
Edited by Jane Rizzo
Music by Heather McIntosh
Synopsis
Nuclear-apocalypse survivor Ann Burden lives an agrarian life on her family's valley farmstead, sheltered from radioactive contaminants by rocky hillsides, favorable weather patterns, and an abundant ground-fed water supply. One day, Ann encounters refugee John Loomis. He claims to be an engineer, who, aided by medicines and a radiation suit, walked from a distant government bunker to Ann's valley. Loomis bathes in contaminated water, and immediately sickens, but is nursed back to health by Ann, who welcomes him into her farmhouse. Loomis regains his strength, and gradually, becomes part of Ann's humble rustic life. He helps Ann pump diesel from local petroleum pumps and gets the farm's long-disused tractor running to expand her gardens for the winter. Ann tells Loomis about her parents and younger brother who left the valley to find other survivors... but never returned. Loomis speculates hydro-electricity might be generated from the nearby waterfall, using a water-wheel fashioned from the Burden church's planks and beams. Ann is uncomfortable with this proposal, citing her father's involvement as preacher and her deeply-held Christian beliefs. Loomis chooses to not pursue the project further. Ann and Loomis grow closer, cultivating crops and preparing for long-term habitation. Their domestic accord is marred by occasional tensions, notably involving matters of religion and Loomis' drinking. The two come to the verge of initiating a sexual relationship, but Loomis demurs, claiming a sexual relationship will change them, and he needs more time. Further tensions arise between Caleb and Loomis following the sexual encounter. The two men finish the water-wheel, moving it and its wooden flume into place atop the waterfall. Encumbered by the bulky radiation suit, Caleb slips twice during his rope-assisted climb up the slick mossy cliff-side. During the second slip, the two men silently lock eyes, both holding the rope, while Caleb teeters on the cliff's edge. Loomis returns to the farmhouse alone. Ann apologizes for her earlier indiscretion; Loomis claims Caleb left in search of other settlements. Ann takes this news badly, chasing after Caleb but not finding him, and lapses into a sullen silence. The farmhouse's electric lights and refrigeration are restored. Ann realizes Loomis moved her beloved church organ and three pews into the barn
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