“Mortal Engines” is a 2018 post-apocalyptic adventure film directed by Christian Rivers and produced by Peter Jackson, who is also known for directing “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. The film is based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Philip Reeve. It stars Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Leila George, Patrick Malahide, and Stephen Lang.

The story is set in a dystopian future where Earth’s cities have become mobile, gigantic vehicles known as “Traction Cities.” These massive moving metropolises roam the wastelands, hunting and consuming smaller towns and cities in a process called “Municipal Darwinism.”

The plot follows Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), a fierce young woman with a scarred face, who seeks revenge against Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving), a powerful and ambitious man who murdered her mother. During her quest, Hester teams up with Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan), a historian from London who is thrust into her world after an unexpected encounter.

As Hester and Tom navigate the dangerous landscape of the Traction Cities, they uncover a deadly conspiracy led by Valentine, who aims to use an ancient weapon to dominate the world. Their journey takes them through various challenges, from battling rogue scavengers to confronting the monstrous Stalker, Shrike (Stephen Lang), who has a mysterious connection to Hester’s past.

The film features stunning visual effects and elaborate set designs, showcasing the grandeur and scale of the Traction Cities. The city of London, depicted as a towering, mechanical behemoth, is particularly impressive and central to the film’s visual appeal.

“Mortal Engines” explores themes of survival, revenge, and the clash between different ideologies in a world where resources are scarce and power is everything. Despite its ambitious world-building and visual spectacle, the film received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its imaginative concept and special effects, some critics felt that the story and character development were lacking.

Despite the mixed critical reception, “Mortal Engines” offers a unique and visually captivating experience for fans of science fiction and post-apocalyptic narratives. Its depiction of a world where cities are mobile juggernauts provides a fresh and innovative take on the genre, and the film’s action sequences and production design make it an entertaining watch.