Virgil (Zac Efron) is a drifter in a dystopian future, searching for a path to a better life. When he hitches a ride with the begrudging Keith (Anthony Hayes, also in the director’s chair), the two discover a one-way ticket to all of their desires: a massive nugget of gold lodged deep in the ground somewhere in the middle of the desert. The two agree that Virgil should stay and guard the gold while Keith travels to find an excavator to remove it. What follows is a series of events that push Virgil’s survival skills, and his sanity, to the very limit.
Much like Gus Van Sant’s Gerry, this two man trek into the desert is overshadowed by dread from some of the earliest frames in the film. In the supporting role Hayes delivers most of the film’s expository dialogue with a grimace, setting up the world of the characters and leaving Efron to turn in a subdued and ponderous performance in the film’s first act. From the moment Hayes exits the film, Gold is a (mostly) one man show in which Efron’s Virgil must build his own shelter, fend for his food, and scare off the creatures of the desert, all of whom will kill him if he doesn’t kill them first. And the weight of Hayes’ story sits comfortably on his leading man’s shoulders.
Those unfamiliar with the recent trajectory of Efron’s career might be surprised by the dramatic turn he takes in this grueling role, but the once-child actor has proven himself worthy of great expectations. Ever since his break-out teenage role in the High School Musical franchise and his subsequent foray into hokey romance and raunchy comedy, Efron has been making the less predictable choice every time he pursues a project. In 2019, he took a dark turn as Ted Bundy in Joe Berlinger’s destined-for-Netflix thriller Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile and continued down this adventurous path as Flicker, the stand-out side character in Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum. With Gold, Efron solidifies his efforts to be taken seriously by giving the most committed performance of his career.
For anyone looking for a suspenseful account of one man’s struggle against the wild and his own conscience, this desert-set thriller might just quench that thirst. For those looking to cheer Zac Efron on as he makes some of the most exciting decisions of his career, Gold is a must-see. It would also make a fine addition to any media librarian’s thriller collection.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
This film would be on the thriller or action shelves in your public library.
What type of college/university professors would find this title valuable?
Acting professors in particular might find Gold useful for its committed central performance.