Forgive Us All is a 2025 New Zealand drama western horror film directed by Jordana Stott from a screenplay by Jordana Stott. The film is set to be released in New Zealand on 8 May 2025.
Forgive Us All places the viewer in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been devastated by a virus that has transformed humans into violent, cannibalistic creatures („Howlers“). This is not just a horror film about monsters—the story seeks its heart in morality, redemption, and human value amidst decay.
Rory (Lily Sullivan), an isolated survivor, lives alone amidst the devastation, trying to escape the memories that haunt her. When a stranger fleeing a totalitarian group shows up on her doorstep, she is faced with a choice: stay safe or risk everything to help. Their path to survival lies through cannibalistic wastelands, where the true fear comes not only from the infected, but also from the living.
Jordana Stott's style is meditative and slow—some scenes linger in silence for long periods, using the landscape and atmosphere to convey the weight of the world. This may seem like a strong artistic statement, but for many the pace is too sluggish, and the action comes late and doesn't always feel deserved.
The scenes often look visually impressive, with attention to light, dust, and space that reflects the decay of society, but the narrative remains underdeveloped, leaving more questions than answers.
Lily Sullivan carries the film with a strong, inwardly directed performance—she gives Rory both a vulnerability and a toughness that holds attention even when the pace drops.
Callen Mulvey and Richard Roxburgh they add solidity to their roles, even though the material doesn't always allow them to fully develop their characters.
The overall tone of the acting is respectable, but some characters lack depth or chemistry, which makes the emotional connection with the audience weaker.
Forgive Us All is an ambitious experiment that tries to mix genres and raise questions about forgiveness, morality and survival. The cinematography is beautifully shot, and the atmosphere carries a weight that remains after the end credits. But - if you expect a dynamic horror with clear answers, you may be disappointed by the slow pace and insufficient emotional connection.
This film is for those looking for a dark, contemplative look at the post-apocalypse, more philosophy than pure adrenaline.
