The Battery
Directed by:
Jeremy GardnerScreenplay:
Jeremy GardnerCinematography:
Christian StellaComposer:
Ryan WinfordVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Two former baseball players, Ben (Jeremy Gardner) and Mickey (Adam Cronheim), cut an aimless path across a desolate New England. They stick to the back roads and forests to steer clear of the shambling corpses that patrol the once bustling cities and towns. In order to survive, they must overcome the stark differences in each other's personalities. Ben embraces an increasingly feral, lawless, and nomadic lifestyle while Mickey is unable to accept the harsh realities of the new world and longs for the creature comforts he once took for granted. A bed, a girl, and a safe place to live. When the men intercept a radio transmission from a seemingly thriving, protected community, Mickey will stop at nothing to find it, even though it is made perfectly clear that he is not welcome. (Shout! Factory)
(more)Reviews (2)
This likably well-crafted survival flick was made with a budget of only $6,000. All it needs is believable acting, dialogue that reveals the nature of the characters and seemingly ordinary locations in which, however, there is a danger of conflict with zombies. The whole thing is basically “only” about the friendship of the two guys. I like how Gardner intentionally doesn’t show us events that would be thrilling attractions in another film, how he keeps them hidden behind the door. In his later After Midnight, he takes this concept to a much more sophisticated level, with a great point no less. The Battery is just a playful diversion.
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Between three and four stars, but for an indie directorial début I’m going higher. During the first two acts, The Battery is probably the most easy-going zombie film I’ve ever seen (the zombies don’t pose much of a threat, they are like props in a nice indie summer comedy), but in the last act the film switches into a more intimate but also darker and effective mode. It’s a very well made indie flick, with perfect performances and atmosphere, and a great soundtrack. We will sure hear more from Jeremy Gardner.
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