If dystopian thrillers fuel your movie night cravings, Netflix’s The Bad Batch should definitely be on your radar. This 2016 indie sci-fi drama offers a gritty, surreal survival story set in a post-apocalyptic desert — and features unexpected appearances from Hollywood heavyweights Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, and Jim Carrey.
Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, the film transports viewers to a lawless wasteland where the fight to live overshadows every moral code. At its heart is Arlen, played by Suki Waterhouse, an exiled young woman cast out beyond Texas into a no-man’s land reserved for society’s unwanted — a place where neither U.S. laws nor basic humanity survive. Known collectively as “the bad batch,” its inhabitants face a brutal reality where cannibalism and chaos are the new order.
Arlen’s journey begins with a horrifying ordeal at the hands of a cannibal clan, led by the imposing Miami Man (Jason Momoa). Though she manages to escape, she pays a steep price — losing both an arm and a leg. Her path eventually leads to Comfort, an eccentric desert colony ruled by a smooth-talking cult leader (Keanu Reeves). Here, survival is possible, but it comes with compromises that force Arlen into moral gray zones and unexpected alliances.
Adding to the intrigue is Jim Carrey in an almost unrecognizable role as a silent, wandering hermit who crosses Arlen’s path. Diego Luna also makes a brief uncredited appearance, providing fans with a subtle surprise.
Shot primarily in Los Angeles, Niland, and Bombay Beach, California, the film’s bleak and sun-scorched visuals give life to Amirpour’s vision. Produced by Annapurna Pictures and Vice Films on a modest $6 million budget, The Bad Batch made its debut at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival, earning the Special Jury Prize. While it received a limited theatrical release (grossing just over $200,000), its lasting visibility has come through streaming, where it has found a cult following.
Critical responses have been divided. With a 46% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reviewers have praised its striking cinematography and immersive sound design, while noting its slow pacing. Variety’s Guy Lodge lauded its sensory impact but criticized what he called “self-indulgent” storytelling. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney acknowledged occasional lag yet found the film consistently compelling.
Beyond its desert grit, The Bad Batch is a meditation on survival, morality, and the connections we forge when the rules are gone. Its haunting atmosphere, unpredictable characters, and daring visual style set it apart from typical post-apocalyptic fare. For viewers willing to embrace its oddities, it’s an unforgettable trip into a stark and dangerous world.
