Cargo is an Australian post-apocalyptic horror-drama that was released in 2017. It was directed by Ben Howling and co-directed by Yolanda Famke, who was also the screenwriter.
Apocalypse and Zombie! Two special words in the story or description of a film that are more likely than not to reel most film lovers in. Writers or film producers don’t even have to try or bother with explaining how or why the zombies came to be. Readers/viewers are probably curious but content, regardless. From 1978’s and its 2004 remake Dawn of the Dead, 1979’s Zombie the Flesh Eater, 2002’s 28 Days Later, 2007’s I am Legend to 2013’s World War Z, etc. Let’s not forget the popular American TV series, The Walking Dead. There are countless films and series out there with those two words embedded in their theme, and quite rarely would you find them unentertaining. I say “rarely” but not “never”. I have seen some terrible ones. It takes bad acting, a terrible plot or horrible makeup and costume for one to be a huge flop. Now let’s talk about Cargo.
There’s a viral outbreak that’s turning people into mindless cannibalistic zombies within 48 hours of infection after being bitten. Andy (Martin Freeman), his wife Kay (Susie Porter), and their infant daughter, Rosie are living in a small boathouse in the Australian countryside. Life has changed and people are scavenging for food or any necessary supplies they can find.
In their quest for food, Andy decided to forage through an abandoned sailboat. His success prompted Kay to later return to the sailboat, without informing Andy, to find more supplies. Regrettably, she was attacked by a zombie that was present in the boat. Later in the boathouse, Andy discovers that Kay has been bitten in the leg and is badly injured. While Andy is trying to stay calm and treat Kay’s injury, she, on the other hand, hysterically urges him to take Rosie and leave her as it was only a matter of time before she would turn into a zombie. Andy isn’t ready to lose Kay yet as they still have 48 hours before she turns. Against her persistent pleading, Andy later finds a car and attempts to get Kay to a hospital… someplace… or anywhere he can to get help. Kay begs him to let her go and makes him promise that, no matter what, he would protect baby Rosie and get her to safety.
Sometime during their journey, Andy’s effort to avoid something on the road causes them to have an accident, resulting in him passing out. When he regains consciousness, Kay, whose seatbelt kept her fastened in the passenger seat, has turned into a zombie, but Rosie is still safely strapped in the backseat of the car. However, before Andy is able to get out of the car, Kay bites him. Undeterred, Andy resolves to honour his wife’s wishes.
Meanwhile, a young female aboriginal, Thoomi (Simone Landers) has been separated from her safe clan of aborigines. While travelling with her father, he had been bitten, become infected and since turned into a zombie. Thoomi, refusing to accept this, doesn’t abandon her father but keeps cautiously feeding him, hoping to keep him alive so that, by some miracle, the so called “Clever man” might be able to cure him.
Andy, whilst battling the different stages of his transformation into a zombie, meets Thoomi on his eventful journey and the two of them will encounter dangerous and risky situations on his mission to protect and get both Thoomi and his precious cargo – baby Rosie to safety... within 48 hours.
This is literally one of my two best zombie films; the second being I Am Legend. It was a deeply moving, engagingly beautiful and entertaining film that has the potential to bring you to tears. Cargo ticked all the boxes regarding makeup, cinematography, story, plot, and acting. Great directing by Howling and Famke!
Simone Landers’ portrayal of Thoomi was very emotive and impressive for a young girl in her film debut. Martin Freeman was absolutely brilliant. You only need to watch this film to appreciate him much more as the incredibly talented actor he is. He’s known for popular films like 2003’s Christmas romantic-comedy, Love Actually, 2004’s comedy-horror, Shaun of the Dead, 2007’s action-comedy, Hot fuzz, 2009’s Christmas comedy, Nativity, 2012’s, 2013’s and 2014’s epic fantasy-adventure franchise, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, 2016 and 2018’s Marvel Superhero action-adventure films, Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther, respectively.
You might think I have given the scope of this film away, but I haven’t at all. There’s so much more that you need to find out on your own, so I have said very little. I highly recommend this film. My rating? 10 out of 10.
Currently available to watch on Netflix.
Further Information
Ben Howling:
Director
Yolanda Ramke
Screen Writer and Co-director
Played Andy
Simone Landers:
Played Thoomi
Played Kay
Played Daku (The Clever Man)
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