🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jake Paltrow
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Western, Drama
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 40min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
In a dry future, a robotic mule reveals a murder, leading to more bad decisions in a dusty, water-scarce version of the Wild West.
🍿 Young Ones: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Parched Future: Introduction to Ernest Holm
The film is set in a dystopian near future where water scarcity has ravaged the American West. Ernest Holm, a struggling farmer, fights to protect his land and family: his son, Jerome, and his daughter, Mary. His wife Katherine resides at a special facility due to an accident. Ernest seeks a future of water for irrigation to return his farm to its former glory. Mary is secretly involved with Flem Lever, a young man who has ambitions that extend beyond her affections. He eyes Ernest’s land, and this sets the stage for conflict and betrayal.

Betrayal and Loss: Flem’s Deception
Ernest acquires a robotic mule to aid his farming efforts, much to Flem’s displeasure, who is denied rental of it. Flem’s desire for Ernest’s land intensifies, leading to a confrontation where he kills Ernest to secure it for himself. Flem hides the truth about Ernest’s death and marries Mary.

Seeking the Truth: Jerome’s Discovery
Time passes, and Jerome grows suspicious of Flem’s involvement in his father’s death. The robotic mule malfunctions and returns to town, where a repair shop recovers footage that unveils the truth about Flem’s crime. Armed with this evidence, Jerome confronts Flem.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ernest Holm (Michael Shannon): A determined father struggling to protect his family and farm in a drought-ridden future.
- Jerome Holm (Kodi Smit-McPhee): The loyal son who uncovers a dark truth and seeks justice for his father.
- Mary Holm (Elle Fanning): The conflicted daughter torn between her family and her manipulative boyfriend.
- Flem Lever (Nicholas Hoult): An ambitious young man who schemes to acquire Ernest’s land, leading to tragic consequences.
- Katherine Holm (Aimee Mullins): The paralyzed mother whose condition adds to the family’s hardships and Ernest’s guilt.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Ernest Holm: “Waitin’ is a fucking disease. Think something? Feel something? You should *do* something. Alright?” – Ernest gives Flem some tough but true advice before tragedy strikes.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $0
- Worldwide Gross: $7,740
💥 Young Ones Reviews
Personal Review
I really wanted to love this movie, and the premise was fascinating. The desolate landscapes and the struggle for water felt very real. However, the pacing was a bit too slow for me, and I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I hoped. The robotic mule was a cool touch, and the ending was satisfying, but overall, it felt like something was missing. I still think it’s worth watching for the unique setting and Michael Shannon’s performance.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of neo-westerns”
- “Viewers interested in dystopian themes”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
- “Fans of Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, and Elle Fanning”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Death”
- “Implied threat of sexual assault”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- IndieFilmCritic.com: “”Bad Land: Road to Fury” offers a bleak vision of a water-scarce future, blending Western tropes with sci-fi elements. While the cinematography is striking, the plot meanders, and the characters lack depth. Michael Shannon delivers a powerful performance, but the film ultimately fails to fully capitalize on its potential.
- SciFiNow: “A slow-burn sci-fi western that explores themes of family, revenge, and survival in a drought-ridden landscape. While the pacing may deter some, the film’s unique blend of genres and thought-provoking narrative make it a worthwhile watch.
Audience Reactions
Viewers praised the film’s unique blend of Western and sci-fi genres, along with its thought-provoking themes.: The film’s atmosphere, cinematography, and Michael Shannon’s performance were widely commended.
Overall Consensus: A visually striking but uneven sci-fi western that explores compelling themes but suffers from slow pacing and underdeveloped characters.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was shot on location in South Africa, utilizing the stark landscapes to emphasize the scarcity of resources and the harsh environment.”
- “The robotic mule, referred to as the ‘Simulit Shadow,’ was inspired by Boston Dynamics’ ‘Big Dog’ robot, adding a layer of realism to the futuristic setting.”
- “Director Jake Paltrow divided the film into three chapters, each named after one of the male protagonists, to explore their individual perspectives and motivations.”
🖥️ How to Watch Young Ones?
As of today, ‘Bad Land: Road to Fury’ (originally titled ‘Young Ones’) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. Check Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental and purchase options. Availability may vary by region. Consider using services like JustWatch to find the most up-to-date streaming and purchase information in your area.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Young Ones, you might like these similar films:
- The Road (2009): Both films depict a bleak, post-apocalyptic world where survival is a constant struggle, focusing on the bond between family members.
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): Shares a similar dystopian setting with scarce resources and desperate characters fighting for survival in a desolate landscape, plus Nicholas Hoult also appears in the film.
- There Will Be Blood (2007): Explores themes of ambition, family conflict, and the harshness of frontier life in a resource-scarce environment, although set in a different historical period.
🛒 Young Ones Related Products
- Mad Max: Fury Road [Blu-ray]: A post-apocalyptic action masterpiece directed by George Miller. Featuring intense stunts, practical effects, and a gripping storyline, this Blu-ray edition provides a high-definition viewing experience that captures the film’s stunning visuals and visceral action.
- Fallout 4 [PC Download]: Explore a vast, post-apocalyptic open world as you customize your character and navigate a wasteland filled with danger and intrigue. Build settlements, craft weapons, and uncover the mysteries of the Commonwealth in this immersive gaming experience.
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy: A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that depicts a father and son’s harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic America. This emotionally resonant story explores themes of love, survival, and the enduring power of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
- Droughtlander Shirt: A humorous t-shirt with a nod to dry weather, and the struggle to find water. For fans of dystopia in general. Makes an amazing gift and will be a great conversation starter.
🎧 Soundtrack
Young Ones features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Lost Her Love On Our Last Date” – performed by Floyd Cramer
- “Main Theme” – performed by Nathan Johnson
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
It’s a neo-western set in a dystopian future where water scarcity is the central conflict. It follows a family’s struggle for survival and the consequences of betrayal and revenge.
The movie was filmed in South Africa, providing the desolate and arid landscapes crucial to depicting the drought-stricken setting.
While it shares elements with post-apocalyptic films, it’s more accurately described as dystopian. Society still exists, but resources are severely limited, leading to conflict and desperation.
🔥 Bonus Content
When The World Is “Out Of Water”, People Drink Petrol To Survive
Ever wondered what ‘Young Ones’ is all about? This recap gives you the lowdown on the plot in under 10 minutes. Trust me, it’s a wild ride!
10 Things You Didn’t Know About YoungOnes
Think you know everything about ‘Young Ones’? This video uncovers 10 surprising facts about the movie. You’ll definitely learn something new!
In FUTURE, Water Is So RARE | People Drink Petrol INSTEAD Movie Explained in Hindi/Urdu
Want a breakdown of ‘Young Ones’ in Hindi or Urdu? This video explains the plot, characters, and themes so well. It’s like having a friend walk you through the whole movie!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.