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The Quiet Earth
The Quiet Earth
7.1
/10
859 Ratings

THE QUIET EARTH

Directed by Geoff Murphy
New Zealand, 1985
Sci-Fi, Drama, Mystery

Synopsis

Zac, a scientist working on a global energy project, wakes up to a nightmare. After his project malfunctions, Zac discovers that he may be the last man on Earth. As he searches cities for survivors, Zac’s mental state begins to deteriorate—culminating in the film’s iconic and hotly debated ending.

Synopsis

Zac, a scientist working on a global energy project, wakes up to a nightmare. After his project malfunctions, Zac discovers that he may be the last man on Earth. As he searches cities for survivors, Zac’s mental state begins to deteriorate—culminating in the film’s iconic and hotly debated ending.

Our take

New Zealander Geoff Murphy’s pensive work stands opposed to the norms of the post-apocalyptic genre. Loosely based on Craig Harrison’s 1981 sci-fi novel, The Quiet Earth takes a serene approach, centering its conflict—internal, racial, and sexual—among the survivors, rather than external forces.