The Rover (2014)

Director: David Michôd

Starring: Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy

10 years after a global economic collapse, a hardened loner pursues the men who stole his only possession, his car. Along the way, he captures one of the thieves’ brother, and the duo form an uneasy bond during the dangerous journey.

‘The Rover’ is set in Australia, ten years after the collapse. (This is all it says; it doesn’t tell you collapse of what, but according to the film’s synopsis it is a global economic collapse). There’s hardly any law and order and people do as they please.

‘The Rover’ is about a guy, Eric (Guy Pearce) who wants his stolen car back. Yup, this is the premise. And that’s all the story is about. Apart from the fact that I found the film way too slow moving and boring, I had several issues with the film.

Firstly, the film doesn’t give any details on any of the characters. No back story. Nothing to make me root for any of them – not even the film’s protagonist, Eric. (I rooted for Eric simply because he is the main character and they stole his car, and because he loves dogs).

The film opens with three guys having a quarrel whilst speeding in their car. By the looks of things they were obviously criminals. Their car rolls, and they then steal Eric’s car. Eric then takes the very car that rolled, and chases after them. Note that – even though the vehicle rolled and crashed – there’s not a single dent on the car – not even a crack in the windscreen!

When Eric catches up to the men, they try to shoot him. But when they stop and Eric walks up to them, they have a chit-chat about the car. What the hell!!?? Minutes ago they wanted him dead, and now they’re having a reasonably polite conversation!!

I liked Eric being such a determined character, but at times his actions deemed him more stupid than brave. And then along comes Rey (Robert Pattinson) – the brother of one of the men who stole Eric’s car. What are the chances of Rey running into Eric?? Eric then forces Rey to accompany him chasing after the three men, who apparently left Rey for dead.

I’m not sure whether ‘The Rover’ might be considered art, but this was NOT an interesting premise, and NOT an interesting movie. My only praise here is for Guy Pearce’s performance. That’s it! (The film’s ending did make me go “auwwwww, sweet”, but to sit through an entire boring movie just for a sweet ending, is not my idea of being entertained.)

‘The Rover’ received 22 award nominations, winning 3.

Would I watch it again? Yawn, what?