Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'The Tribe'

Written by Scott Edwards

The bond between siblings is something that can never be taken away, even if the situation asks for it. Being family since the first day they meet each other, the sacrifice that they are willing to give for each other is something that amazes me. Not having any brothers or sisters myself, I like to think that I understand this love with my friends, and while I am willing to do anything for them, it is not the same. Keeping your family close to you no matter the situation is key, because no matter what happens, they will be the only ones you can truly count on.
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After a pandemic has claimed the lives of millions on the planet, there are still small pockets of survivors that are just trying to live. Three sisters, Jenny, Sarah and Danika have their own refuge set up by their father who was not willing to see the world come to an end. Being told to protect themselves at all costs, there is nothing that these sisters will not do for each other and while the future looks bleak, they are trying to make the best of things. Jenny being the oldest keeps her other two sisters in line, or tries to at least by taking on her mother’s role and she also tries to teach her youngest sister Danika how to have fun and survive in the event things go from bad to worse.

Danika, however is starting to show the signs of the sickness as her hair is starting to fall out and Jenny does not have any ideas of what to do. Trying to find her sister while collecting firewood, Jenny is shocked to see that she is being talked to by a stranger. Warning the young man to stay away from her home and family, Jenny spews warnings that go unheard, but Sarah takes matters into her own hands and shoots the man in the leg. Feeling bad because the man only wanted some food and would move on, Jenny invites him to stay until he is recovered, something that doesn’t sit well with Sarah.

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Jenny and Danika seem fine with having Ryan join their home. Jenny is pleased because she has someone else to talk to and Danika is happy because she sees something in the young man that she trusts. As the days go by, everything seems fine in the household and Ryan is even offering advice on what the girls should do next, as he has heard that there are outposts in the cities that could offer help for Danika who is showing the signs of infection. While Jenny wants to believe the stories, she has to keep her family’s best intentions in mind since being around people with the way things are is not a good idea for anyone. Sarah on the other hand is intrigued and asks Ryan to take her with him when he leaves, as the water supply in the house is drying up and there might not be any other choice. 
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Waking up and seeing that Sarah and Ryan are gone, Jenny starts to worry what is happening around her. While looking for her sister, Jenny is greeted by another stranger that is looking for Ryan and while he does not seem to have bad intentions, Jenny will not allow him near her home. But she has little choice as Ryan returns with a tied-up Sarah and other members of his family that have been able to survive on their own. Wanting to rebuild civilization, the girl’s refuge is the perfect place since it has survived this long and Charlie has an offer for them all. While Jenny listens to what Charlie has to say and seeing that he is infected and still alive, he might know what is really happening, but before she is able to come to a decision about what will happen to her home, a scream comes from her sister who has other plans for the group in mind.

I did not think that a post-apocalyptic type movie would impress me that much, but I will admit that this one did. Seeing what the sisters would do to defend themselves in the opening seconds, I was surprised that anyone that entered their home would walk away in one piece. The fear of the living during this trying time is understandable, especially when there are people looking for more than they are entitled to. I liked how the introduction of Charlie and his group was shown and even when he says he means no harm, you still have the worry that he will take advantage of the girls in an unsavory way. But you never know what the true intentions are of someone until they put all of their cards on the table and even when it is done, things still get out of hand. With three girls living on their own, an impending sickness, a stranger with promises of a better life, a sister who trusts no one and a sister who is chosen, it really gives you great insight as to how other people really see the world. This is a movie that does not pull any punches as they start to be thrown and it features an ending that cannot be beat.  

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