Outback Survival “Cargo” really about making humane choices. Would you?

[image error]Did you ever click a film on Netflix without really knowing what you were about to watch? Well that’s what happened with Cargo. We skimmed over the details, but basically selected it because Dr. Watson was in it and it was set in Australia – so, bam! (as my son would say), let’s watch it.

The film starts out with a husband and wife traveling down a river in a houseboat. They have a young child, who is adorable, and though all seems normal, the expressions of stress and alertness on Martin Freeman’s face as he maneuvers the calm waters is the first clue we need to pay attention.

The second clue is the birthday party on the shore. Waving balloons and laughing children are offset by a father standing guard, who lifts his shirt at Freeman as the boat passes showing a handgun tucked into his jeans.

“What is going on?” I ask my husband. And we soon find out as the action picks up, the stakes get higher, and soon Freeman is on a journey to find someone to take his daughter before his time runs out.

This movie isn’t so much about Zombie’s or an apocalyptic setting, though there is enough of that to keep you entertained if you enjoy the genre. The film is about people, and the choices they make under duress. It’s about finding a spark of humanity among desperation.

I enjoyed the unlikely heroes, the relationships, the situations, the cinematography of the setting, and the social questions in Cargo. I definitely recommend it.