Based on true events, Yossi (Radcliffe) is an Israeli backpacker travelling through South America on a year off schooling in pursuit of self-discovery and authentic experiences. He meets a captivating geologist that shares engrossing stories of lost tribes, uncharted adventures and gold, leading Yossi to decide to follow him on an expedition into the jungle.

If there is one thing I regret in my life it’s that I never took the opportunity to go on a gap year and explore the world. Fortunately, films like this let me live vicariously through young and adventurous characters undertaking crazy treks with little to no preparation or experience. I was swept away in the excitement of their adventure as Yossi gathers a couple of friends and journeys into the depths of the rainforest.

Though, as it turns out, walking through an endless and inhospitable jungle is hard work. There’s the rain, fire ants, monkeys and tigers (oh my!) to tend with. And when the journey begins to take a hard physical toll, emotions fray and friendships are tested.

So, on second thought, as I am sitting here with my feet up sipping on a cup of warm tea, I am quite content in never taking that gap year after all.

In the rich cinematic tradition of pitch-human-beings-against-each-other-for-survival/fame/money (The Hunger Games being the most obvious example, but you should explore other lesser-known-but better examples like Battle Royale, The Running Man, Rollerball, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and Series 7: The Contenders, which is the pick of the genre, if you ask me) comes The Belko Experiment.

Greg ‘Wolf Creek’ McLean, with an assist from a script by James ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Gunn, takes the genre into the modern workplace, with colleagues sealed inside their office building and told to basically kill or be killed. It involves surgical implants, armed guards and creative uses of stationery.

A cutting satire on modern corporate culture and capitalism, The Belko Experiment is also a blood-filled entertaining story. Its goriness is imaginative, it is frequently very funny and it’s also an entertaining thrill ride. We are showing it on a Friday, however, so if you’re coming along after a hell week at the office, please don’t get any ideas. The ANU Film Group will not be held liable for any public service building meltdowns by members. Consume this movie at your own risk!