As London is submerged below floodwaters, a woman gives birth to her first child. Days later, she and her baby are forced to leave their home in search of safety. They head north through a newly dangerous country seeking refuge from place to place.
Review of “The End We Start From” (2023)
The End We Start From, directed by Mahalia Belo and adapted from the novel of the same name by Megan Hunter, is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. Set against the backdrop of a catastrophic environmental disaster that has submerged much of the United Kingdom, the film follows the journey of a young mother, simply referred to as “Z,” as she navigates the challenges of protecting and caring for her newborn son in a world that is rapidly unraveling around them. Belo’s masterful direction, which seamlessly blends the grand scale of the environmental calamity with the intimate, human-centered narrative, creates a cinematic experience that is both sweeping in scope and profoundly personal. Jodie Comer’s mesmerizing performance as Z is the emotional anchor of the film, her portrayal imbued with a subtle, understated power that resonates deeply with the audience.
The film’s exploration of themes such as the fragility of modern civilization, the importance of community and human connection, and the enduring strength of maternal love, are particularly poignant in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding the impact of climate change and the plight of displaced populations around the world (Macura-Nnamdi, 2022). The End We Start From serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit can find a way to endure and, ultimately, to prevail.
While the film’s pacing may feel slow at times, especially for viewers accustomed to more fast-paced narratives, the deliberate and contemplative approach allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of the film, and to fully appreciate the nuances of the characters’ experiences. Overall, The End We Start From is a cinematic triumph, a haunting and poignant reflection on the human condition in the face of environmental catastrophe, and a testament to the enduring power of love, hope, and resilience.
