‘Bromantic’ chemistry fuels Robert Pattinson’s attempt at reinvention

PEARCE AND PATTINSON. Form unlikely bond in dystopian drama.

If you go by his upcoming film projects, it looks like Robert Pattinson is hell-bent on proving that there’s thespic gravitas lurking underneath that “beautiful” but bland physiognomy: In David Cronenberg’s dark satire, “Maps to the Stars,” he portrays a limo driver who yearns for a career as a screenwriter.

In Werner Herzog’s “Queen of the Desert,” he is cast as T.E. Lawrence aka Lawrence of Arabia opposite Nicole Kidman (as Gertrude Bell). He also topbills the biopic, “Life,” which is inspired by the friendship of Life photographer, Dennis Stock (Pattinson), and screen icon James Dean (Dane DeHaan). Then, he shares the spotlight with Robert DeNiro and Rachel Weisz in the heist crime drama, “Idol’s Eye.”

Pattinson’s role in his latest film, “The Rover” by Robert Michod (“Animal Kingdom”), is just as bold and persuasively revitalizing: As Rey, he plays a gentle simpleton who forms an unlikely bond with resentful Eric (the fierce Guy Pearce), who’s on a mission to chase the three criminals, led by Rey’s brother Henry (Scoot McNairy), who stole his car.

Unfaithful wife

Unfortunately for the trio, Eric is not in any mood to play games. He’s a former soldier who saw the world collapse and turn into an arid wasteland—he had lost his farm to creditors, and is haunted by his conscience for killing his unfaithful wife!

Set under the sweltering heat of the Australian outback 10 years after the breakdown of the global economy, Michod’s Western flick is a startling evocation of a world in ruins. It’s in this dystopian reality that Eric plays out his rage and frustrations with unbridled focus.

He runs into the gravely wounded Rey, who has been left for dead by his brother and his cohorts, and takes him to a doctor—a seemingly random act of kindness that allows the wounded guy to see Eric in a different light. For Eric, however, Rey is his only way to track down Henry! The pair’s runs-in with soldiers, a drug-dealing midget and his Chinese-acrobat colleagues from a traveling circus bring them closer together.

Ruthless violence

But, why is Eric dead-set on getting back his dilapidated car? The answer will lead you to a cinematic grace note that will obscure the film’s ruthless violence and cynicism—but, we’ll have to leave that crucial detail for viewers to find out.

This arthouse fare isn’t for everyone, however—especially if you’re the type of moviegoer who dislikes second-guessing the ambiguous motivations of a film’s protagonists. Moreover, you have to listen closely, because the cast’s Australian accent is sometimes too thick.

Michod captures the mood and desolation of his production’s post-apocalyptic setting. With dark, crooked teeth, an awkward gait and disarming vulnerability, Pattinson daringly leaves his boy-next-door image behind—and, with his “bromantic” chemistry with Pearce, sets this cautionary tale ablaze!