Mortal Engines

Mortal Engines (2018): A Post-Apocalyptic Adventure on Wheels

Mortal Engines is a 2018 science fiction adventure film directed by Christian Rivers in his feature directorial debut and produced by Peter Jackson, known for his work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Based on the novel by Philip Reeve, the film introduces audiences to a thrilling, dystopian future where cities have become giant, mobile war machines, roaming a ruined Earth in search of resources and survival.

Set hundreds of years after a catastrophic event known as the “Sixty Minute War,” humanity has been forced to adapt in extreme ways. The remnants of civilization have turned their cities into massive mobile vehicles that travel across the barren landscape, consuming smaller towns and settlements in a practice called “Municipal Darwinism.” London, the film’s central city, is the most powerful “traction city” and serves as the film’s main stage.

The story follows Tom Natsworthy (played by Robert Sheehan), a young apprentice historian in London, who unexpectedly finds himself on the run after a chance encounter with Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), a fierce and vengeful outsider with a mysterious past. Together, they uncover a sinister conspiracy that threatens to destroy the fragile balance of their world. Their journey takes them across treacherous terrain and introduces them to a cast of unique characters, including the eccentric and cunning Anna Fang (Jihae), a resistance fighter, and Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving), a powerful and morally ambiguous leader of London.

One of the film’s most striking elements is its imaginative world-building. The concept of mobile cities is brought to life through impressive visual effects and detailed production design. The cities themselves, with their towering buildings mounted on enormous tank-like tracks, create a unique and visually captivating setting. The film’s action sequences, particularly the chase and battle scenes between these colossal machines, are dynamic and intense, showcasing the scale and danger of this post-apocalyptic world.

However, Mortal Engines received mixed reviews upon release. While many praised the film’s ambitious visuals and imaginative premise, some critics pointed to its complex plot and underdeveloped characters as weaknesses. The film tries to balance a sprawling narrative with a large cast, which at times can feel rushed or confusing to viewers unfamiliar with the book series. Despite these critiques, the movie offers a fresh take on dystopian storytelling, blending adventure, science fiction, and steampunk aesthetics.

The performances in Mortal Engines bring depth to the characters, with Hera Hilmar’s portrayal of Hester standing out for its intensity and emotional weight. Robert Sheehan’s Tom provides a more relatable perspective, acting as the audience’s guide to this strange new world. Hugo Weaving’s presence adds gravitas, with his character’s morally complex motivations providing much of the film’s tension.

Musically, the score by Tom Holkenborg (also known as Junkie XL) supports the film’s adventurous tone, mixing orchestral elements with electronic music to create a soundscape that matches the movie’s blend of futuristic and old-world influences.

In summary, Mortal Engines (2018) is a visually stunning and conceptually daring film that offers a unique spin on the post-apocalyptic genre. While it may not fully satisfy all viewers due to its pacing and character development, it remains an ambitious cinematic experience with thrilling action and imaginative design. For fans of dystopian adventures and sci-fi epics, Mortal Engines delivers a wild ride across a fascinating, if brutal, new world.