Martin Freeman Netflix Horror Thriller Will Have You Screaming
Martin Freeman is known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Hobbit franchise, The Office, and Sherlock. If you’re a fan it’s possible you’re sleeping on one of his best films to date. Luckily for Netflix viewers, Cargo is streaming on the platform, giving subscribers a great reason to give one of the star’s lesser-known pieces a go.
Packed with action, the post-apocalyptic horror flick will have you on the edge of your seat until the final moments.
One of the best Martin Freeman films, Cargo, is streaming on Netflix.
Directed by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, Cargo is an extended version of the pair’s 2013 short film of the same name. Along with Martin Freeman in the leading role, the Australian title also features appearances from Anthony Hayes (War Machine), Caren Pistorius (Slow West), Susie Porter (Wentworth), David Gulpilil (Crocodile Dundee), Kris McQuade (Lonely Hearts), Natasha Wanganeen (Rabbit-Proof Fence), and Simone Landers.
The perfect feature for those who love the post-apocalyptic genre, Cargo sees Martin Freeman as Andy Rose, a man seeking out safety for his child. After a deadly pandemic wipes out a majority of the population, Andy finds himself caught up in the virus’ crossfires, becoming infected with the death sentence disease.
Knowing that he’s his young daughter’s only hope, the dedicated father will stop at nothing until he finds her a safe haven away from not only the rest of the infected population, but also himself.
Digging heavily into the continent’s rich history, much of Cargo saw Martin Freeman and the rest of the cast filming in gorgeous locales. As much of the film centers around Indigenous Australian Aboriginal culture, the directors, writers, and actors all spent time ensuring that they would be doing a service to the culture. From languages to spear-throwing and specific rituals, the production team behind Cargo pushed to stay true to the Aboriginal people.
Cargo was nominated for a whopping five awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
Celebrating its premiere at the 2017 Adelaide Film Festival, Cargo released in Australian cinemas before making its global debut one day later. Following its theatrical run, Netflix began streaming the film on its Australian service, marking a major milestone as the country’s first Netflix original.
The film garnered mostly positive feedback from critics with many praising Freeman’s work as the desperate and doting father.
Nabbing the highest honor that an Australian film could hope for, Cargo was nominated for a whopping five awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA). Included in the honors were nods including Best Film, Best Sound, and Best Production Design. Despite his critical acclaim for his performance in the film, Martin Freeman did not receive a nomination.
As for Martin Freeman, Cargo arrived right in between his work in Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s anthology horror feature Ghost Stories, and the reprisal of his role as Everett K. Ross in Black Panther.
Having made his Marvel debut in Captain America: Civil War, Freeman’s character is now a staple in the franchise, appearing in both big-screen projects as well as Disney+’s recent series, Secret Invasion. Bouncing from one franchise to the next, prior to his debut in the MCU, Freeman starred in The Hobbit films as the revered and legendary Bilbo Baggins.
Miller’s Girl
The next project on Martin Freeman’s docket is Lionsgate and Point Grey’s film, Miller’s Girl. Serving as the directorial debut for its scribe, Jade Halley Bartlett, the film will also feature performances from Jenna Ortega (Wednesday), Gideon Adlon (The Craft: Legacy), Dagmara Dominczyk (The Lost Daughter), Bashir Salahuddin (Top Gun: Maverick), and Christine Adams (Black Lightning).
While little is known about the plot of Miller’s Girl, we do know that it will be a drama that sees the relationship between a student and a teacher become complicated.
For those waiting for the second season of Max’s hit series The Last of Us or who need a break from The Walking Dead universe, Cargo may just be the post-apocalyptic film for you. With an impressive performance by Martin Freeman as a desperate father willing to go to the ends of the Earth for his child, as well as a well-penned story and gorgeous locales, the film definitely deserves a spot in your Netflix queue.
