Film review: Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (4 out of 5 stars)

(15) 101mins

Director: Lorene Scafaria

Starring: Steve Carell, Keira Knightley

So what would you do if the end of the world was coming?

Most of us would do exactly what Dodge (Carell) and Penny (Knightley) try to do in this movie - spend time with loved ones.

Dodge’s attempts to track down a former girlfriend who he still loves and Penny’s efforts to get back to Britain and see her family are the basis of this ‘road’ movie with a difference.

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You expect any movie starring Carell to be funny and there are some excellent comic moments, though more to do with other people’s reaction to ‘the end’.

The movie starts with news that Matilda the asteroid is heading towards the Earth, an announcement that sees Dodge’s wife rush out of their car and head off into the distance.

Left alone, he tries to carry on as ‘normal’ until he meet near neighbour Penny who has just broken up with her boyfriend.

The strength of the film is an excellent script and a gentle touch from debut director Scafaria.

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The ‘chemistry’ between Carell and Knightley is excellent with some very touching moments as their characters come to terms with their fate.

Watch out for some very unexpected cameos from well known actors during the movie which give the movie even more interest.

It’s a funny, thought-provoking film that asks some very basic questions about human existence.

Steve Payne

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley

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