Original Title: What Still Remains
- Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Drama, Thriller, Mystery
- Director: Josh Mendoza
- Writers & Producers:
- Writer: Josh Mendoza
- Producers: Nicholas Lazo, Gregg Meller, Josh Mendoza
- Year of Production: 2018
- Duration: 91 minutes (1 hr 31 min)
- Language: English
- Country: United States
- Stars: Lulu Antariksa (Anna), Colin O'Donoghue (Peter), Mimi Rogers (Judith), Dohn Norwood (Ben), Roshon Fegan (David), Jeff Kober (Zack)
- Year of Production: 2018
- Duration: 91 minutes (1 hr 31 min)
- Language: English
- Country: United States
Story
Summary (Plot Overview)
What Still Remains unfolds in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world 25 years after a
devastating viral pandemic has wiped out most of humanity, turning the few
survivors into either desolate wanderers or hostile factions struggling to
survive.
The story centers on Anna
(Lulu Antariksa), a resilient young woman who has adapted to life alone in the
wilderness after the tragic loss of her family. For years she has lived off the
land, maintaining her homestead built by those she loved, clinging to the
memory of her mother’s teachings and her brother David’s companionship.
One day, Anna’s solitary existence
is interrupted by the arrival of Peter (Colin O'Donoghue), a charismatic
yet mysterious stranger who claims to come from a nearby religious community
that offers safety and shared purpose. Though wary at first, Anna is tempted by
his promise of sanctuary—especially after her mother’s death and her brother’s
unexplained disappearance.
Peter insists that the commune lives
in peace, rooted in faith and cooperation. Despite Anna’s ingrained mistrust of
others, she agrees to accompany him in hopes of finding a new place she can
call home.
The journey is fraught with danger.
They encounter hostile survivors known as Berserkers—violent scavengers
worshipping the collapse of civilization rather than clinging to morality.
Upon reaching the commune, Anna must
decide whether to surrender her independence for community life. However, the
promised safety quickly reveals a darker side. The leaders insist on
traditional religious rituals and control, pushing Anna into baptism and
suggesting roles for her that make her uncomfortable. She begins to see cracks
in the seemingly peaceful society.
As paranoia increases and loyal
friendships fracture, Anna is forced to confront horrifying truths about human
nature, morality, and what survival truly demands. Betrayal, violence, and lost
hope challenge her faith in others—forcing her to question whether the worst
monsters are the berserkers outside or the corrupted intentions within the
community itself.
In the climax, loyalties collapse,
and Anna must choose between fleeing into isolation once more or fighting back
to forge her own path, rejecting both chaos and false sanctuary.
Editorial
Review (Critical Insight)
What Still Remains is a thought-provoking post-apocalyptic thriller
that goes beyond typical survival stories by addressing deeper themes of faith,
power, manipulation, and human nature.
Rather than focusing solely on
action or intense horror elements, the film emphasizes character development
and moral ambiguity. Anna’s journey is as much psychological as it is
physical—her struggle reflects a broader examination of what it means to hold
onto one’s humanity when the world has lost its structure.
Lulu Antariksa gives a grounded,
emotionally nuanced performance as Anna. She portrays strength and
vulnerability in equal measure, making her a compelling protagonist in a world
where trust is a currency almost extinct. Colin O'Donoghue’s portrayal of Peter
injects enough charm and tension to keep audiences guessing about his true
motives, while Mimi Rogers defines the eerie balance of warmth and control in a
community that preaches sanctuary but may conceal something sinister.
Critics praised the film’s
atmosphere and introspective tone, noting that What Still Remains feels
less like an action spectacle and more like a sociological exploration
of post-end times life. Some reviewers compared its thoughtful pacing to
classics like The Road, while others appreciated its unique take on the “community
versus survivor” dilemma.
The film doesn’t shy away from
uncomfortable questions: Is safety worth losing freedom? What price do we
pay for trust? And can morality survive when structures of society collapse?
These questions elevate the movie beyond standard genre fare.
Behind
the Scenes (Production Insight)
What Still Remains marks the feature film debut of writer-director Josh
Mendoza, who also produced the film.
The movie was produced under Strike
the Sun Entertainment and distributed by Gravitas Ventures with a
limited theatrical release on August 10, 2018, followed by video-on-demand
release worldwide.
The production team focused on creating
a grounded post-apocalyptic world that feels lived-in rather than
sensationalized. Real outdoor settings provide a sense of authenticity and
isolation, while natural lighting and subdued sound design enhance the bleak
atmosphere.
Original music by Jonathan Beard
was composed to reflect the emotional journey of the characters—using softer,
acoustic motifs for Anna and harsher, confrontational themes for the Berserkers
and community rituals.
The film deliberately avoids
overused post-apocalyptic tropes like heavy CGI or zombie hordes, instead
emphasizing character interaction and moral tension. This directorial choice
places the narrative squarely on human drama rather than spectacle, which is
praised by many critics.
Feature
Film Insight (What Makes It Worth Watching)
What Still Remains is worth watching for several reasons:
1.
A Strong Female Lead
Anna’s character arc—from a lone
survivor to someone forced to confront her beliefs and redefine her own moral
compass—is emotionally engaging and compelling.
2.
Thoughtful Themes
The film explores trust, faith,
survival, and power, tapping into psychological and philosophical territory
rather than just horror or action.
3.
Unique Post-Apocalyptic Perspective
Instead of focusing on external
threats (like zombies or aliens), the movie examines how human communities
evolve, sometimes becoming their own worst enemy.
4.
Character-Driven Storytelling
The narrative relies on performance
and emotional stakes rather than explosions or CGI. This makes it stand out
among other genre titles.
5.
Moral Ambiguity
The film invites viewers to reflect
on ethics in extreme conditions—a feature that resonates with fans of slow
burn thrillers.
