Survival Code: Reality TV Meets Psychological Thriller

Survival Code (2023)

Introduction

In a world where reality TV often blurs the lines between entertainment and authenticity, “Survival Code” emerges as a gripping exploration of isolation and mental strain. Directed by Christopher Lang, this debut feature weaves a chilling narrative that tests not just its protagonist, Mark, played by Andrew T Price, but also the audience’s perception of reality. As Mark battles the wilderness and his own psyche, the film invites viewers to question the true nature of survival. With a low budget but high ambition, “Survival Code” promises a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Written and Directed by Christopher Lang

In a reality tv wilderness survival competition, a contestant faces relentless natural and psychological challenges that push him to the brink of sanity (IMDB)

Survival Code, Review: Reality TV Meets Psychological Thriller

Mark (Andrew T Price) is ex special forces, a survival expert, and confident of winning a reality TV survival contest which abandons its contestants in the wilderness. Alongside an indeterminate number of other contestants, Mark believes that all he needs to do to win £1 million, is survive in the forest longer than anyone else.

It all starts well for Mark using his skills to build shelter, create fire, and trap/catch food. As a presenter talks about the show in Big Brother style segments, we also get video diary updates from other contestants. So far, so familiar. But things slowly unravel as Mark begins hearing and seeing strange things before stumbling upon the abandoned camp of a fellow contestant.

Hounded by an annoying drone that tracks his every move and watched from afar by the mysterious Bryn (Robert Pugh) and ex-service colleague Estelle (Sarah Tempest) Mark’s time in the woods goes quickly from Busman’s Holiday to a confused fight for survival against an unknown enemy.

Chris Lang’s debut feature is like a cross between Blair Witch, Big Brother, and a Bear Grylls survival special. The show is definitely in Mark’s wheelhouse when it begins and he finds it easy enough to survive, seemingly relishing the isolation. But after Mark finds the abandoned camp and views the video diary left behind by another contestant, he starts to question whether or not he is actually on a TV programme at all. Perhaps he is caught up in some clandestine experiment as suggested by the missing contestant?

Are those really vitamins the show is making Mark take?

Are the weekly clinics with the doctor really just to check his health?

If this isn’t a TV show, why are we seeing show links with a glamorous presenter?

Are we seeing them?

As the film progresses and the stress gets to Mark more and more, the viewer is also left wondering what is real. Clips from Mark’s video diary appear out of day order, he starts seeing and hearing things, Estelle appears to him mysteriously, and he finds himself hunted by security forces. Maybe those vitamins really aren’t what they seem.

I don’t know if it was just me, or the film, but Survival Code does not give up its secrets easily. I suspect you may end the film not quite sure what is going on and what Mark’s ultimate fate might be, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Survival Code is a bad film. Far from it. Lang’s movie demands you pay attention and, I feel, deliberately makes things confusing, to mirror Mark’s psychological decline in the forest. Whether this is from isolation, dodgy drugs, Bryn’s mysterious machinations, or a combination of all three, the audience needs to decide. Without giving too much away, the end of the film had me thinking about Sam Lowry from Brazil.

The final scenes of the film may be telling us one story and one potential ending for Mark’s adventure, but I wonder whether it is the true outcome, or whether we have been manipulated as an audience by Lang’s film-making, in the same way Mark was manipulated into playing the game.

I appreciate that some viewers may feel cheated by such an ending, but it does give the viewer something to think about after the movie ends, and it stays with you afterwards as you try to pick apart what you have seen. 

On the whole, the movie is well acted and directed. It is edited well and, while some faster scenes and fights feel a little clunky, this is not unusual on lower budget films. And Survival Code was filmed on a VERY low budget of just £1,000 which shows just how skilful and determined the team were to commit this story to the screen.

I can’t comment much more on the technical aspects of the film as I did not see a final version (and I’m simply not qualified) and there are still some tweaks to be made. For example, the sound drops in and out in a few places, so it just needs tightening up a little. This isn’t a criticism, just recognition of a work in progress.

Survival Code is not available to watch just yet, but Chris is working on getting it out into festivals to promote the movie. If you do get to a festival in the future where it is showing, it is definitely worth seeing, even if just to see what you can do on a tiny budget. And, if Chris is there, say hi and ask him about the film; he’s very approachable and always keen to talk film!

Even if you don’t get a chance to see it, Survival Code is a clear indication of the ability and ambition of Lang and his team, and I would recommend keeping an eye out for his future offerings as he goes from strength to strength as a writer/director.

Further Reading

Horror movie fans looking to deepen their appreciation for the genre should definitely check out the Horror Movie Review section of Ginger Nuts of Horror. This platform is a treasure trove of insights, critiques, and discussions that resonate with both casual viewers and dedicated aficionados alike.

Firstly, the reviews are penned by passionate writers who understand the intricacies of horror filmmaking. They delve deep into the elements that make each film unique, from unsettling visuals to compelling sound design, offering a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond superficial impressions. Such in-depth reviews can enhance viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the genre, revealing layers of meaning and intention that may go unnoticed during a first watch.

Lastly, with its focus on both mainstream and indie films, the Horror Movie Review section is an excellent resource to stay updated on upcoming releases and trends in the horror landscape. For any horror buff, exploring The Ginger Nuts of Horror Review Website is an essential step toward a deeper connection with the genre.