Why a 2016 sci-fi blockbuster left a Georgia town in ruins for years
In short: The 5th Wave was a high-budget adaptation of a popular young adult novel, featuring an alien invasion and a star-studded cast. Yet, behind the scenes, a botched stunt during production caused lasting damage to a downtown district, while critics dismissed the film as a derivative collection of dystopian tropes.
Released in January 2016, The 5th Wave was directed by J Blakeson and based on the 2013 novel by Rick Yancey. The story follows Cassie Sullivan, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, as she navigates a world decimated by five waves of alien attacks. These waves include an electromagnetic pulse, geological disasters, a modified bird flu, and human-controlled sleeper agents. The final, fifth wave is revealed to be the manipulation of children into soldiers, tasked with eliminating the remaining human population under the guise of military protection.
The production was a significant undertaking, with principal photography occurring in Atlanta, Georgia, between October 2014 and January 2015. The film utilized a budget of $54 million, with $21.7 million spent specifically within Georgia. However, the shoot was marred by a catastrophic error in Macon, Georgia. During a 3:45 am filming session, a planned bus explosion went wrong, blowing out over forty windows, collapsing ceilings, and setting a building on fire. Despite promises from the production company to cover the damages, repairs remained incomplete twenty-eight months later.
Critically, the film struggled to find its footing. It holds a 17% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers frequently comparing it unfavorably to established franchises like The Hunger Games and Divergent. Critics described the plot as predictable and the effects as unimpressive, with some even labeling the film a marketing exercise rather than an artistic endeavor. Despite this, the film was moderately successful at the box office, grossing $111 million worldwide. While author Rick Yancey expressed satisfaction with how the film captured the heart of his characters, the cinematic result remains a polarizing entry in the post-apocalyptic genre.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The 5th Wave (film)
- Also: Wikidata — The 5th Wave · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-the-5th-wave-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
