During a conversation with another reviewer and a spectator yesterday, we discussed quality of work versus budget.

I, for one, look past the issues created from a small cashflow for a film and delve deeper.

Performances, atmosphere, and the lofty ambitions of those in front of, and behind the screen, are integral to a small film’s success.

That said, though The Last Divide doesn’t have the rich budget of the post-apocalyptic films it emulates, it does a commendable job of making you forget it’s a Nova Scotian film.

From the camerawork to the incredible score and on-point performances, it’s clear those involved with The Last Divide have a love of all, and you have to root for them.

It’s a grand directorial effort from Dillon Garland, also a writer on one of my other fest favourites Creepy Crawling.

The writing is clear and the dialogue crackles with a sense of urgency. It has all of the fear and unsettling tension of The Walking Dead, and also kind of reminded me of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road in style.

The Last Divide isn’t in the same time and space as that precious best-seller, but I’ll be damned, this Cinema 902 feature is a hell of a show.

Lead Colby Conrad is effective and engrossing in the film. However, it’s Holly Stevens, who didn’t dazzle in previous 902 film Aliens With Knives, who really shines here.

Her prowess as a dramatic actress is on full display, and you can expect great things.

Overall, this low-budget local thriller is a heck of a way to end the solid slate of Cinema 902 screenings. Bravo to all involved.

4/5 Stars