In a nightmarish scenery, an impoverished man struggles to survive in his desperate search for wealth. Gold is a lean fable about the blinding power of greed. In his silent and shockingly physical lead role, Zac Efron is simply outstanding. Most of the film depicts his solitary battle. Gold does not have many surprises in store for viewers. The outcome is fairly predictable. However, it is captivating to watch as the protagonist descends into savagery and fear.
The action of the movie takes place at some unknown hot and dusty deserted place. A disheveled man (Zac Efron) gets off a train at a dilapidated post. He has come to be taken to “compound”. Anthony Hayes’ driver wonders why anyone would come out here in the middle of nowhere. A job seeker wants work since there are vacancies shown on posters regarding mining prospects.
They drive away from town ominously towards the horizon in the old truck owned by their driver. It was during one fatal toilet stop that he made a find which amazed him greatly . They attempt to dig it up before any other person sees it hidden beneath earth’s surface. One person should go back with an excavator . He was not ready to leave this place behind him, because he did not trust his driver . The latter left behind small amounts of food , water and a note full of threats . Beware of water, deadly wild dogs and most importantly madness .
This story is grim from beginning unto end . We never learn anything much about its main character . He just has no other choice but likely deserves what eventually comes to him . Zac Efron looks like he has been run through a wringer , covered in sweat and filth . The sun burns his skin as he tries everything possible while guarding a buried fortune . He virtually says nothing until there’s another development prompting him to speak out aloud; hence exposing how determined he is .
The driver played by Anthony Hayes (Animal Kingdom, The Rover) is one of its writers along with Polly Smith. He has most lines in the film . Hayes offers a picture of man’s worst that is sparsely painted and brutal. It is an extremely dangerous environment. When you find the mother lode, you lose your mind and survival instincts . Two men seem to need each other to ensure they protect this wealth . Why not have it all?
Zac Efron initially made it big due to his looks. From being a pretty boy teen idol, he has evolved into a versatile actor who can play several roles well. His portrayal of Ted Bundy was a leap from his past work. That journey continues here. Efron forges a character with minimal exposition. A shred of hope remains for the main character’s bleak existence until he sets about combating the elements, animals and intruders in this place . The best scenes in Gold are those where Efron struggles silently but desperately; displaying raw exhaustion , thirst and ultimately ill will towards others . These are among his finest performances as an actor that has seen him do more challenging films.
Gold’s biggest failing lies in its austerity . This movie is as straightforward as they come; no extra details needed whatsoever here. Everything unfolds just as expected or anticipated by the audience before it happens on screen . Gold should be seen as an elemental character study. In that regard , however, it is well acted and directed . You need some patience with this one though. I will also commend Anthony Hayes for creating such merciless setting like wild dogs.
Rogue Star Productions, Deeper Water Films, and Ingenious Media produce Gold prior to its North American theatrical debut on March 4th via Screen Media Films.
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