These Final Hours (2014) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
These Final Hours is a haunting 2014 Australian apocalyptic thriller directed by Zak Hilditch, a film that combines the bleakness of an end-of-the-world scenario with a deeply personal story of redemption, connection, and morality. Set against the backdrop of humanity’s final moments, the film follows James (Nathan Phillips) as he navigates through a society that has abandoned all order, in his quest to reconcile his desires and decisions before the world ends.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, themes, performances, and where you can stream or rent These Final Hours online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Countdown to the End
These Final Hours takes place during the last 12 hours before an apocalyptic event, as a fiery, earth-shattering disaster approaches Australia. The world is aware that this is the end—there’s no escaping the cataclysmic force set to destroy the planet. Panic, lawlessness, and despair reign as people react to the impending doom in different ways. Some embrace chaos, some turn to drugs or religion, and others search for one last moment of meaning before the inevitable end.
At the center of the story is James, a man with little purpose in life. His plan is to spend his final hours at a hedonistic party, drowning his anxieties in alcohol and drugs. However, his path changes when he rescues a young girl, Rose (Angourie Rice), from a dangerous situation. Rose is desperate to find her father, and James reluctantly takes on the responsibility of helping her, leading him on a journey of unexpected emotional depth and self-discovery.
As they navigate the deteriorating society around them, James is forced to confront his past actions, re-examine his life, and decide what kind of person he wants to be in the final moments of existence. His relationship with Rose offers a glimmer of hope in a hopeless world, as the two form a bond amidst the chaos and devastation.
Themes of Morality, Redemption, and Humanity
At its core, These Final Hours is about what it means to be human in the face of inevitable destruction. The film asks hard questions: How would you spend your last moments on Earth? What matters most when everything is coming to an end? James, who starts the film as a detached, self-centered individual, slowly transforms as he takes on the responsibility of helping Rose, rediscovering a sense of purpose.
The film explores themes of redemption, as James is given one last chance to do something meaningful with his life. His initial desire to numb himself from the reality of the apocalypse evolves into a quest to protect Rose, an innocent child in a world that has lost its moral compass.
The apocalyptic backdrop also serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of life, highlighting how people cope with existential crises. While some characters indulge in reckless abandon, others seek solace in family, love, or religion. This stark contrast between the different ways people choose to spend their final hours adds emotional weight to the film, making it more than just an action-packed thriller.
Nathan Phillips and Angourie Rice: A Dynamic Pair
The film’s emotional core relies heavily on the performances of Nathan Phillips and Angourie Rice. Phillips delivers a layered portrayal of James, initially appearing as a man with little direction or sense of responsibility. As the film progresses, Phillips expertly captures James’ internal struggle, shifting from apathy to a man willing to fight for something greater than himself. His performance grounds the film, making James a relatable, flawed character who undergoes significant growth by the time the credits roll.
Angourie Rice, who was only 12 years old at the time, gives a breakout performance as Rose. She portrays a mix of innocence and determination, refusing to give up hope despite the terrifying world around her. Her chemistry with Phillips is authentic and heartfelt, making their dynamic one of the film’s most compelling elements.
Rice’s character is the emotional anchor of the story, representing hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming despair. As Rose navigates the ruins of civilization, her unwavering faith in finding her father stands in stark contrast to the moral decay around her. This juxtaposition between innocence and chaos makes her journey—and the bond she forms with James—deeply impactful.
Cinematic Atmosphere and Direction
Zak Hilditch’s direction creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere throughout the film, which is heightened by the apocalyptic setting. The cinematography, with its dusty, sun-scorched landscapes and decaying urban environments, paints a grim picture of a world on the brink of collapse. The use of natural lighting and handheld camera work adds a sense of realism, making the viewer feel immersed in the dystopian environment.
The pacing of the film is steady, with moments of quiet reflection punctuated by bursts of action and violence, reflecting the unpredictability of the world James and Rose inhabit. Hilditch’s ability to balance emotional depth with moments of intense tension keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
The film’s score, composed by Cornel Wilczek, is subtle but effective, often enhancing the emotional beats of the story without overwhelming the visuals. The music works in harmony with the film’s bleak tone, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the narrative.
Exploring the Apocalyptic Genre with a Unique Spin
While These Final Hours shares similarities with other apocalyptic films, its focus on personal relationships and emotional stakes sets it apart from the usual action-driven narratives of the genre. The film doesn’t rely on grandiose special effects or elaborate disaster sequences but instead focuses on the human element of an apocalyptic scenario.
The film’s ability to blend the personal with the catastrophic makes it a unique entry in the genre, offering viewers a more introspective take on the end of the world. Rather than focusing on survival, These Final Hours explores the choices we make when survival is no longer an option.
Where to Watch These Final Hours Online
If you’re interested in watching These Final Hours, it’s available on several popular streaming platforms in the U.S. Here’s where you can find it:
Streaming Services
- Hulu: These Final Hours is available to stream on Hulu. If you’re a subscriber, you can watch it at no extra cost.
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie is also available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Video: You can rent or purchase These Final Hours on Amazon Video. Rental prices start at $3.99, while purchase options are available for $12.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchases available for $12.99.
- Apple iTunes: You can rent the film for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99 on iTunes.
- Vudu: These Final Hours is available for rent or purchase on Vudu, with similar pricing options.
Why You Should Watch These Final Hours (2014)
If you’re a fan of apocalyptic dramas that focus on character development and emotional depth, These Final Hours is a must-watch. Its exploration of redemption, moral choices, and human connection in the face of destruction sets it apart from typical disaster films. The strong performances from Nathan Phillips and Angourie Rice, combined with Zak Hilditch’s tight direction, make it a standout entry in the genre.
The film’s ability to balance bleakness with moments of hope and compassion gives it a unique emotional resonance, making it more than just a thrill ride through the end of the world.
Final Thoughts
These Final Hours is an emotional, thought-provoking film that asks big questions about how we face the end of the world. With strong performances, particularly from its two leads, and a visually compelling portrayal of a collapsing society, the movie offers a fresh take on the apocalyptic genre. It’s a film that will leave viewers reflecting on what truly matters when time is running out.
Looking to explore James and Rose’s journey through the final hours of humanity? Check out These Final Hours on your favorite streaming platform today, and prepare for a gripping, emotional experience!
