Cargo (2017) is a post-apocalyptic Australian drama directed by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, starring Martin Freeman in one of his most emotionally gripping performances. The film takes the zombie genre and reshapes it into a touching, human story about survival, sacrifice, and fatherhood.
Detailed Summary
The Outbreak
The movie opens in the midst of a mysterious viral outbreak that has ravaged Australia. The infected become violent, mindless creatures after a 48-hour incubation period. The story focuses on Andy (Martin Freeman), his wife Kay (Susie Porter), and their infant daughter Rosie, who are trying to survive on a houseboat drifting down a river, away from the chaos of the mainland.
The Infection
During a supply run, Andy and Kay encounter an abandoned yacht. Inside, they find food and supplies, but Kay is bitten by an infected. Knowing what’s coming, Andy desperately tries to find help before she turns. Their hope lies in finding medical supplies or other survivors, but their search ends tragically—Kay succumbs to the infection and bites Andy, sealing his fate. Andy now has only 48 hours before he turns.
The Journey Begins
Realizing his limited time, Andy embarks on a desperate journey across the harsh Australian outback to find someone who can care for Rosie. Along the way, he encounters various survivors, including a young Aboriginal girl named Thoomi (Simone Landers), who is trying to save her father, who has also been infected.
Thoomi’s storyline adds a spiritual and cultural layer to the film, as she believes that her father’s soul is still present despite the infection. This belief contrasts with Andy’s pragmatic, Western approach to survival.
The Conflict and Moral Choices
Throughout the journey, Andy faces moral dilemmas that challenge his humanity. He encounters selfish and dangerous survivors, including Vic (Anthony Hayes), who exploits people for his own safety, using infected individuals as traps. These interactions underscore the film’s recurring question: in a world without order, what does it mean to stay human?
As Andy’s infection progresses, his physical condition deteriorates, but his resolve to save his daughter strengthens. His growing friendship with Thoomi becomes a central emotional pillar of the story.
Movie Ending
In the film’s devastating and powerful ending, Andy’s infection reaches its final stage. Knowing that he is about to turn, he prepares meticulously to ensure Rosie’s safety. He constructs a harness system on his back, securing Rosie and covering his own mouth to prevent her from being bitten when he loses control.
Thoomi walks beside him, guiding him toward her community. As Andy fully transforms into one of the infected, he becomes a literal vessel carrying his daughter to safety — a haunting and symbolic image of love persisting beyond death.
When they reach Thoomi’s people, she gently stops Andy by offering him peace according to her culture’s traditions. The community takes Rosie in, and Andy is put to rest. The final moments show Rosie being embraced by Thoomi’s tribe, symbolizing that humanity and compassion have survived, even in a world overtaken by death.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Cargo (2017) does not have any post-credits scenes. The film concludes with a sense of emotional closure, and the credits roll without additional footage or hints of a sequel.
Type of Movie
Cargo is a post-apocalyptic drama with horror and thriller elements. Unlike most zombie films, it focuses less on gore and more on emotional depth, moral questions, and human resilience. It’s more of a tragic survival story than a traditional horror film.
Cast
- Martin Freeman as Andy Rose
- Simone Landers as Thoomi
- Anthony Hayes as Vic Carter
- Susie Porter as Kay Caine
- Caren Pistorius as Lorraine
- David Gulpilil (in one of his final roles) as Daku
Film Music and Composer
The haunting score was composed by Anthony Partos, known for his emotionally rich and atmospheric soundtracks. The music in Cargo is minimalistic but powerful, using soft piano, ambient strings, and unsettling tones to emphasize the loneliness and desperation of the characters’ journey.
Filming Locations
Cargo was filmed across South Australia, primarily in the Flinders Ranges and Adelaide region. The desolate Australian landscape plays a crucial role—it’s almost a character in itself. The vast emptiness, burnt colors, and harsh climate reflect the world’s moral and physical decay, intensifying the story’s sense of isolation and hopelessness.
Awards and Nominations
While Cargo did not win major international awards, it received significant critical praise and was nominated for:
- Best Feature Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards
- Best Actor (Martin Freeman) at several independent film festivals
- Best Direction and Best Screenplay nominations for Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke
It was also featured prominently in Netflix’s lineup of original films, gaining a strong cult following.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film originated from a short film (2013) by the same name, created by the same directors. The short went viral online, which led to Netflix funding the feature-length version.
- Martin Freeman was personally chosen by the directors because of his ability to portray “ordinary heroism.”
- Many Aboriginal actors and consultants were involved to ensure authentic representation of Indigenous culture and spirituality.
- The production faced extreme heat and environmental challenges during shooting in the Australian outback.
Inspirations and References
Cargo was inspired by the directors’ 2013 short film, but it also draws thematic inspiration from works like:
- The Road (2009) – for its bleak yet emotional survival tone.
- Children of Men (2006) – for its exploration of parental sacrifice.
- Traditional Aboriginal mythology and respect for the land, integrated into Thoomi’s worldview.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While there are no confirmed alternate endings, some deleted scenes focused on expanding Vic’s backstory and additional interactions between Andy and Thoomi. These were removed to maintain the pacing and focus on the father-daughter dynamic.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Cargo is not based on a book; however, the story was expanded from the directors’ short film of the same name. The feature-length version adds deeper emotional layers, new characters, and cultural themes not present in the original short.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Andy discovering Kay has been bitten.
- Andy being bitten himself and realizing his time is limited.
- The harrowing moment when he places Rosie on his back as he turns.
- Thoomi guiding the infected Andy through the wilderness.
- The tribe accepting Rosie at the end.
Iconic Quotes
- Andy: “I’m not scared of dying. I’m scared of her being alone.”
- Thoomi: “He’s still my dad. His spirit is still there.”
- Andy: “I thought I was protecting her. Maybe she’s the one protecting me.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The number “48” (the infection countdown) appears subtly throughout the movie—in watches, graffiti, and environmental cues.
- The film’s ending echoes the original Cargo short film shot-for-shot, as a tribute.
- The infected in Cargo often move slowly and in pain, a creative choice symbolizing the tragedy of losing one’s humanity rather than pure horror.
Trivia
- Martin Freeman insisted on performing several of his own stunts, including carrying the baby actor across difficult terrain.
- The baby playing Rosie was actually portrayed by twins.
- The “goo” used to show infection stages was made from edible, non-toxic materials, as it often came into contact with Freeman’s face and mouth.
Why Watch?
Because Cargo is not your typical zombie movie. It’s a deeply emotional, character-driven story about the lengths a parent will go to for their child. It’s heartbreaking yet hopeful, terrifying yet tender. If you’re tired of generic apocalypse movies, Cargo will surprise you with its humanity.
Director’s Other Works
- Cargo (2013) – short
- The Duel (2016) – short
