Z for Zachariah
The eco-horror genre is often associated with the idea of the environment "striking back," but it's important to note that not all forms of media adhere to this trope. There are cases where movies or literary works may belong to a different genre altogether but still incorporate eco-horror elements. The movie Z for Zachariah directed by Craig Zobel in 2015 starts soon after what seems to be an apocalypse caused by radiation. Ann Burden, the main character, is the only survivor of the apocalyptic event and is living a secluded life on her family farm. One day, John Loomis finds her farm in his failing anti-radiation suit. As he slowly regains his strength through the care of Ann, he gradually becomes part of her life, and a bond develops between them. One notable aspect of the film is how it explores the psychological impact of living in a post-apocalyptic world. It examines how the trauma of surviving a catastrophic event can affect an individual's mental state, causing them to develop intense feelings of fear, loneliness, and paranoia. Overall, Z for Zachariah is a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche in the face of a catastrophic event. It overturns the traditional eco-horror plot of nature's revenge by introducing eco-horror elements into a post-apocalyptic world without a clear antagonistic force from nature, while also offering a unique perspective on the apocalypse through its unusual color palette, and its historical significance adds to its societal relevance.
There is not a clear antagonist in this movie that necessarily fits the eco-horror genre, but there are eco-horror aspects that are shown in the film through the environment. An illustration of this is when the characters are restricted from entering a stream due to its radioactive nature. This conveys to the audience that even the natural environment has become inhospitable, making it harder for the characters to survive. Additionally, Z for Zachariah does not follow the traditional color palette of most apocalyptic films. Apocalyptic movies often create a bleak environment filled with the aftermath of destruction to intensify the story. The film's setting adds to the tension as characters struggle to survive in dangerous situations. Typically, these landscapes have a muted color scheme and a suffocating atmosphere. This film in particular does the exact opposite. In the film, we are exposed to the expanse of rolling hills carpeted in a velvety green cover and grassy fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see. The majority of the film has a very bright color palette as well. This message to the audience highlights the possibility that not all apocalyptic situations have to end in the deterioration of a big city and potentially the birth of something new.
Apart from the elements within the movie that shaped the audience's perception of a post-apocalyptic world, there are also historical factors that influenced the creation of the film and its impact on society. The movie is based on the novel “Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O'Brien. The 1974 science fiction novel that the movie is based on was written less than a decade after the Cuban Missile Crisis. In the novel, the reason for the apocalypse is a devastating nuclear war, and the aftereffects of radiation are still present years later. The historical significance of the film is rooted in the fact that its source material, the novel, was written during a period of heightened global anxiety over the fear of nuclear war. While the film itself was produced several years after this period, its connection to this period underscores the continued relevance and resonance of post-apocalyptic narratives in popular culture.
Despite the common association of eco-horror with the concept of nature seeking revenge, there are certain cases, such as the film Z for Zachariah, where this genre can be portrayed without a clear antagonistic force from nature. The absence of a clear antagonist in the film does not detract from the eco-horror elements that are conveyed through the post-apocalyptic environment. Additionally, the film's departure from the typical bleak color palette of most apocalyptic movies adds to its uniqueness and message that not all apocalyptic situations have to lead to destruction. The film's source material has significant historical importance, as it highlights the ongoing relevance of post-apocalyptic narratives in popular culture. This is particularly noteworthy during periods of heightened global anxiety, where the fear of catastrophic events was an ongoing concern.
Secondary Sources:
Berkowitz, Joe. “Exploring the Apocalyptic Parallels of ‘Z for Zachariah’ and ‘Last Man ...” Fast Company, 31 Aug. 2015, https://www.fastcompany.com/3050277/exploring-the-apocalyptic-parallels-of-z-for-zachariah-and-last-man-on-earth.
Moore, George, and Berwyn Moore. “Threats to Our Nation, 1957-1959: A Public Health Retrospective.” Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2009, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2646491/.