Rubber is the story of Robert, an inanimate tire that has been abandoned in the desert and then suddenly and inexplicably comes to life. As Robert roams the bleak landscape, he discovers that he possesses terrifying telekinetic powers that give him the ability to destroy anything he wishes. At first content to prey on discarded objects and small desert creatures, his attention soon turns to humans, especially a beautiful and mysterious woman who crosses his path. Leaving a swath of destruction behind, Robert becomes a chaotic force and truly a movie villain for the ages.If, after reading that description, you find your curiosity was in any way piqued, trust me, just go ahead and pull the trigger. It’s even weirder than you think. There’s more to it than just “psychic tire goes on a violent, gory rampage” — not MUCH more — but I won’t dare spoil it.
Visually, it’s a good looking film, set in the wastelands of the Southwest. The effects are decent enough for a small budget, and “Robert” seems more alive than any tire has a right to be.
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| The wheel everybody is raven about. |
Unfortunately, the story, running at just under an hour and a half, drags now and then. It often feels like a simple short film that was expanded on, and yet even then required empty filler to justify calling it a movie. The delivery of what little dialogue there is can feel a bit stiff at times, often littered with full words where contractions would feel much more natural. (That sounds trivial, but when you hear it, it’s abrasive.)
That said, Rubber is a weird, strange, often violent, and unexpectedly meta experience. You won’t be better off as a person after seeing it, perhaps, but you definitely won’t forget it.
4/5
- Strange, funny, and enjoyably self-referential experience.
- Gorgeously filmed, yet depressing Southwestern backdrop.
- It’s a fucking killer psychic tire.
Negatives
- Runs a bit too long for such a thin story.
- Dialogue flip-flops between interesting and stiffly delivered.
