I'm always on the lookout for interesting genre flicks, especially now that technology has advanced to the point that filmmakers can do with small budgets what used to require an entire studio effects team. Even so, The Divide hasn't been on my radar at all. When the publicist's email showed up in my inbox this afternoon, I hadn't even heard of the title. I didn't even read the accompanying synopsis before checking out the opening scene of the film, so its first impression on me was pure. If you haven't heard of The Divide, I offer you the same chance. Watch the video before you scroll down any further.
Not bad, eh? Stylish, action-packed, easily setting up the premise without lots of expository dialogue. Granted, we'll ignore the fact that the girl in the opening scene is staring directly into a nuclear blast without any protection and suffering no apparent ill effects, but whatever. At the very least, it's well designed to grab your attention.
Directed by Xavier Gens (Hitman), The Divide follows a small group of New Yorkers who take refuge in their building's bunker-like basement after the city is hit by a nuclear attack. Trapped in the basement, unsure if there is anyone else alive outside or any rescue coming, the group soon begins to fray and turn suspicious and violent. The cast includes Michael Biehn, Heroes star Milo Ventimiglia, and a bunch of other people you've seen a thousand times but probably couldn't name off the top of your head.
The script is by Karl Mueller and Eron Sheean, whose only other credits are short films. I believe, but can't find confirmation of, that The Divide is the same script that won a spot on the 2007 Black List, under the name of Shelter. If so, I read that draft at the time and it was a pretty solid little thriller. I'll be keeping my eye on this one (unless there's a nuclear blast in that direction).
The Divide is opening in select theaters on January 13th. You can check out the website right here.
