DVD movie review
The 5th Wave (2016, USA) gets straight into the story–
Biblical-like plagues sweep through America caused by a mysterious alien force in the skies.
It sucks dry power sources, causes earthquakes, spreads a bird virus, and brings alien visitors to live among the humans to wipe the humans out. Then there is the fifth wave, supposedly the worst.
Teenager Cassie (Chloe Grace Moretz) is separated from her father and younger brother and has to fend for herself in this increasingly volatile country.
The 5th Wave is a survival story.
Cassie happens to stumble upon another survivor, who is significant in the story. He is a lifeline for her in the wilderness and chaotic surrounds. There are dead bodies and smashed-up cars.
Stop to think for a moment and you may ask, like I did, who are these mysterious alien visitors, and what does their arrival mean? It is not clear why the alien visitors are there until the third act.
The disasters or waves could be reflections of what has happened in the world at an unprecedented level since 2008. There have been many natural disasters etc. and an increase in violence. Maybe the makers of The 5th Wave have seen what’s happening to the world (who wouldn’t?) and have a need to portray this in art with a point.
There is also a strong military presence in the film that may have something to say about the state of the military in America. Guns are used as a survival tool, as well.
The film smacks of fear of foreign invasion, which may be an allusion to national security in an age of unpredictable international affairs.
In terms of films about invasion, this is nothing new, with films being made about invaders from Mars since the 1950s.
Despite the surrounding dearth, the one thing Cassie can hang onto is quite simply hope. Surviving in this uncertain world is a matter of hope for something better.
The 5th Wave is an engaging science fiction thriller.
Warnings—sexual references, brief profanity and coarse language, violence
Notes: Based on Rick Yancey’s young adult novel, Starring Chloe Grace Moretz
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