The world can change in the blink of an eye. A lesson that is unfortunately realized in Worldbreaker. It all started when monsters known as Breakers emerged from a split in the ground dubbed the Stitch. Since then it has been a fight for survival amongst humans and the Breakers. Things take an even bleaker turn when Breakers begin infecting humans, mostly men, turning them into creatures known as Hybrids.
This nightmare of a reality is all Willa (Billie Boullet) knows. Her dad (Luke Evans) and mom (Milla Jovovich) have memories of what the world was like before the Stitch. Stories of the good ole days that dad loves to share with Willa. Both of Willa’s parents have spent years as soldiers fighting the Breakers, trying to make the world safe for their daughter.
Willa’s father realizes that he needs to impart more than stories to help Willa survive. After the two of them flee to a remote island for safety, he begins training her. Combat and survival skills are of the utmost importance for that inevitable day where running is no longer an option.
Brad Anderson directed the film while Joshua Rollins wrote the script. Worldbreaker certainly has potential, but most of it is unreached. While the Breakers and Hybrids have great screen presence, there is simply not enough of it. I’m sure budget constraints played a role here, but they are strong adversaries and I would have loved to see more of them.
Anderson & co do have some success managing the lack of screen time by focusing on off-camera tension. Sound effects coupled with tense music, movements, shadows, and tight shots help build dread for what you cannot see but know is out there. At it’s core, the film is about relationships and hope – that belief to fight that is inside most of us. Boullet and Evans strive here, showcasing their talents and onscreen chemistry.
Worldbreaker ultimately reminded me of a transition episode of a tv show, but without the payoff that further episodes would provide. The lack of action plaguing a majority of the film coupled with a slow moving script cause the film to drag. The roots of something are there, but this is one you don’t need to race out and catch.
Worldbreaker is open in theaters now.
