The shockingly obscure masterpiece “The Noah” is an exploration of grief through a man named Noah’s solitude as he realizes he’s the only person left on the planet. Set on a desolate island where supplies are cumbersome but humanity has diminished, our character Noah drifts by a life raft to the shore, and makes it his home. Even though he’s realized that humanity has become extinct due to the war, he makes it his mission to turn the island into his domain and keep himself occupied. He now sees a responsibility in staying alive to preserve his race for all time. He is literally the only person on the planet, thus he must engage in a battle against isolation, and loneliness.
Director Daniel Bourla never introduces any unnecessary plot elements in the way of obligatory antagonists, or defying the concept of his story of one man on an island as “The Noah” keeps his respectful vision of the end of mankind consistently fantastic. As a soldier Noah persists in his building of his homes, maintaining his patriotism and his dedication to his duty. But, as time wears on, his solitude becomes his greatest enemy, and he comes across someone named Friday who acts as his friend and confidant. Friday becomes his most trusted ally, while learning how to live and survive through Noah who takes him under his wing.
Robert Strauss’ performance is absolutely extraordinary as he’s tasked with handling the lone role in the entire film and carries “The Noah” as a brilliant study of isolation and the psychology of the end of humanity. Strauss is one of the primary reasons to see Daniel Bourla’s drama, as he gives his character an endless list of emotions, complexities, and pathos. It’s a consistently stark image of the last of humanity, as Strauss’ Noah can do nothing but rely on his own wits and survival instincts and fight the inevitable urge to do away with his misery. Daniel Bourla’s is a remarkable drama that deserves a place among the pantheon of post apocalyptic dramas.