settings and locations in a post-apocalyptic movie- Nicole Collins French

Settings and locations in a post apocalyptic movie.

The settings and locations in a post-apocalyptic film are usually well known locations which are usually filled with people. The reason these locations are used is because if a well known place is deserted then people will have the fear that there is no hope as even a most prestigious place is no longer 'alive'.

For example, in 28 Days Later (see picture above) Jim is alone in an 'empty' ,lifeless London, which automatically brings attention from the audience and creates fear as they realise a usually lively area is deserted. This builds adrenaline in the demographic as they question "what will happen next?".
The settings are usually de-saturated colours, giving connotations of the place being lifeless, due to the use of dull colours.

Additionally, posy apocalyptic films are usually filmed in science labs or any research facility. This brings up the issue that tampering with science can cause destruction and stress to an equilibrium. Furthermore, post apocalyptic films can be filmed in a place where people search for hope and help. Places like these are locations such as: churches and hospitals. This is done to say to the viewers "even God cant help you" and " no one can help you", bringing an image of total disruption and a sense of unease.

28 Days Later is a very good example of a film which uses typical post-apocalyptic settings and locations. The first scene is in a science lab which creates question within the audience. This is because no one knows what we are able to create and we don't know if that thing will turn out bad or good. Other scenes such as the church scene highlights that once humans have done their damage then no one can help, not even 'God'. Again, in 28 Days Later, Jim wakes up from a coma in an empty hospital. This contradicts the idea that hospitals are meant to help and heal, as the hospital has no one in but Jim and everything is out of place or destroyed.


Overall, the settings of a post apocalyptic world tend to include dark colours to how the contrast in the world we live in and a world we 'used to live in'. Some natural colours may be included, however they are rarely used, this is because a post apocalyptic world is not seen as 'natural' or 'beautiful' as destruction has caused the world (or specific places) to be ruined. The typical locations of a post apocalyptic film are: hospitals, churches, science facilities, army bases or well known, busy places (such as London or New York.)