Mortal Engines (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Mortal Engines”, released in 2018, is an ambitious dystopian sci-fi film directed by Christian Rivers and produced by Peter Jackson, the visionary filmmaker behind “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Based on the novel by Philip Reeve, the movie presents a visually stunning, post-apocalyptic world where gigantic, mobile cities roam the earth, devouring smaller towns for resources in a concept known as Municipal Darwinism. Despite its breathtaking visuals and fascinating premise, the film struggled to gain a foothold with both critics and audiences, making it a divisive entry in the sci-fi genre.
In this review, we will break down the movie’s plot, performances, special effects, and where you can watch “Mortal Engines” online.
Plot Summary
Set in a future world ravaged by a cataclysmic event known as the Sixty Minute War, the remnants of humanity live in massive, mobile cities that hunt and consume smaller towns for resources. The largest of these cities is London, which is ruled by the ruthless Thaddeus Valentine (played by Hugo Weaving), a powerful and corrupt leader intent on securing more power.
The story centers on Hester Shaw (played by Hera Hilmar), a scarred young woman seeking revenge against Valentine for the murder of her mother. In her pursuit of vengeance, Hester crosses paths with Tom Natsworthy (played by Robert Sheehan), a historian from London who is unexpectedly thrown into the chaos of her quest. Together, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving Valentine and a mysterious superweapon that could bring even greater devastation to the world.
As Hester and Tom navigate the perilous wasteland, they encounter various factions, including the rebellious Anti-Traction League, led by Anna Fang (played by Jihae), who is determined to stop Valentine’s destructive ambitions. The film builds toward an epic final showdown between the mobile city of London and the Anti-Traction League, with Hester’s personal vendetta entwined in the fate of the world.
Cast and Performances
Hera Hilmar gives a strong performance as Hester Shaw, portraying her character’s internal conflict and trauma with a blend of toughness and vulnerability. Hester is driven by revenge, but her journey reveals layers of emotional depth as she grapples with her past and opens up to Tom. Hilmar’s portrayal of a fierce and emotionally wounded heroine is one of the film’s highlights.
Robert Sheehan, as Tom Natsworthy, provides a more grounded and relatable character, serving as the audience’s lens into the bizarre, dystopian world. His chemistry with Hilmar is decent, though not particularly electric, and his character’s transition from naive historian to a reluctant hero is serviceable but somewhat predictable.
Hugo Weaving delivers a solid performance as Thaddeus Valentine, bringing his usual gravitas and charisma to the role of a menacing villain. However, his character’s motivations feel somewhat underdeveloped, leaning heavily on familiar tropes of power-hungry antagonists.
Jihae as Anna Fang is a standout, playing a charismatic and fearless leader of the resistance. She brings an edge and a sense of urgency to the film, even though her character doesn’t get enough screen time to fully develop. The supporting cast includes Stephen Lang as Shrike, a cyborg assassin with a tragic backstory, whose relationship with Hester adds an emotional subplot to the narrative.
Visual Effects and World-Building
The most striking aspect of “Mortal Engines” is its visual effects and world-building. The film presents a richly detailed and imaginative post-apocalyptic future, with massive, mechanized cities rolling across desolate landscapes in a visually jaw-dropping spectacle. The concept of “Traction Cities” is brought to life with incredible attention to detail, from the towering, steam-punk inspired machinery of London to the intricate designs of smaller, mobile towns.
The film’s production design, led by Dan Hennah, and visual effects, supervised by Weta Digital, create a fully immersive world that feels both fantastical and grounded. The action sequences, particularly those involving the mobile cities clashing and consuming smaller towns, are thrilling and visually impressive.
However, while the visuals are stunning, they sometimes overshadow the storytelling, which struggles to balance world-building with character development. The movie often feels more concerned with spectacle than depth, leaving many plot elements underexplored.
Themes and Emotional Impact
At its core, “Mortal Engines” is a story about survival, power, and the cyclical nature of human conflict. The concept of Municipal Darwinism is a unique twist on the classic idea of resource scarcity in dystopian fiction, where cities become literal predators in the struggle for survival.
The film touches on themes of revenge, redemption, and the dangers of unchecked power, but these themes often take a back seat to the action and world-building. Hester’s personal journey of revenge and self-discovery is compelling, though it doesn’t always get the emotional weight it deserves amidst the large-scale spectacle.
The emotional impact of the film is somewhat muted by its fast-paced plot and focus on special effects. While the film explores some interesting ideas, it doesn’t delve deeply enough into its characters’ inner lives to leave a lasting emotional impression.
Reception and Box Office
Despite its impressive visuals and high-profile production team, “Mortal Engines” was a box office disappointment, grossing only around $83 million worldwide against its estimated $100–150 million budget. Critics were divided on the film, with some praising its ambitious world-building and visual effects, while others criticized its thin plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on spectacle over substance.
The film’s failure to resonate with a wide audience led to it being considered one of 2018’s biggest box office flops, though it has since gained a small cult following among fans of the book series and those who appreciate its unique visual style.
Where to Watch “Mortal Engines” Online
For those interested in experiencing the visually stunning world of “Mortal Engines,” the movie is available on a variety of streaming platforms and rental services.
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video – “Mortal Engines” is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for rental or purchase. Renting the movie costs around $3.99, while purchasing it costs approximately $9.99 to $14.99 depending on the format.
- Peacock – “Mortal Engines” is sometimes available on Peacock, so if you’re a subscriber to Peacock Premium, it’s worth checking its availability.
- Hulu – “Mortal Engines” may also be available on Hulu with a subscription, particularly through an add-on service like HBO Max or Starz.
- HBO Max – Depending on licensing agreements, “Mortal Engines” occasionally streams on HBO Max. If you have a subscription, it’s worth checking the platform for availability.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer renting or purchasing the film, here are a few options:
- Google Play – You can rent or buy “Mortal Engines” on Google Play. Rental prices start at $3.99, and purchase prices typically range from $9.99 to $14.99.
- Apple TV/iTunes – Available for both rental and purchase on Apple TV or iTunes, with similar pricing as Google Play, making it accessible on various Apple devices.
- Vudu – “Mortal Engines” is also available on Vudu, offering both HD and 4K versions for rent or purchase.
- YouTube Movies – You can rent or buy “Mortal Engines” through YouTube Movies, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchase options available at around $12.99.
Conclusion
“Mortal Engines” is a visually stunning yet narratively flawed film that offers a unique take on the dystopian genre. Its breathtaking special effects and ambitious world-building are impressive, but the film ultimately falls short in its character development and storytelling. While it may not have achieved box office success, fans of epic, sci-fi adventure films and steampunk aesthetics may still find enjoyment in its grand spectacle.
For those interested in diving into the world of traction cities and larger-than-life battles, “Mortal Engines” is widely available for streaming, rental, and purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Google Play.
