Hey gang,

So I just finished watching “Young Ones” and I gotta say, it was quite the ride. This film, directed by Jake Paltrow, mashes up sci-fi and Western vibes in a dry, dystopian world suffering from a severe water shortage. Imagine Mad Max had a reeeeeally dry summer in Texas and you get the gist.

The film stars Michael Shannon, Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Now, Michael Shannon does his usual intense and brooding thing, which is always fun. But what really surprised me was how much depth and grit Elle Fanning brought to her role. She’s not just “the girl” in this one; she has agency and complexity.

Visually, the film is stunning. The landscapes are bleached and barren, almost like walking through a desert—well, if deserts had some weird, post-apocalyptic tech scattered around. The cinematography really pulls you in. It reminded me a bit of those long summer days in Gotland: barren yet beautiful in a stark, rugged way.

But here’s the thing, while the film has lots of strong points, it sometimes felt like it was trying a bit too hard to be deep and arty. Some parts dragged a bit, and I found myself checking the time (yes, even reviewers do it!). Maybe a tighter edit would have helped?

That said, there’s something really raw and engaging about watching these characters fight for survival and family in a world that’s crumbling. Without giving anything away, let’s just say, relationships get complicated, and loyalties get tested in ways that feel both familiar and foreign. And actually, talking about complicated relationships, it reminded me of those awkward Midsummer family get-togethers where someone always brings up old drama. But hey, that’s family, right?

One of the film’s strengths is definitely its atmosphere. There’s a sense of desolation and hope that’s kind of similar to when you’re watching the Swedish autumn slowly roll in – bit by bit, day by day. You can feel the chill creeping in but also see the beauty in it.

Overall, “Young Ones” might not be for everyone. If you’re in the mood for some thought-provoking sci-fi with a dash of Western style, give it a go. Just don’t expect a fast-paced action flick.

Check out the trailer and see what you think: Young ones