Rush into the Savage World of Mad Max Adventures

SCORCHED EARTH ALERT: Raul Gasteazoro has just unveiled the trailer for ‘The Protector,’ sending post-apocalyptic enthusiasts into a frenzy—mainly because it feels like Mad Max had a wild dream, blended with Waterworld, and produced a gritty outlaw with a penchant for danger and an invaluable treasure map.

Forget the high-budget effects; this film appears to be crafted from raw determination (and maybe some duct tape). Imagine the American West surviving the water wars. No streaming services. No optimism. Only “Dirt-Joust”—a chaotic drag race where the ultimate reward is, quite simply, survival. Our protagonist, Key (played by Marguerite Moreau—bringing to mind both Imperator Furiosa and a sense of disbelief), grapples with past mistakes, a prison term, and the destiny of the last remaining clean water source. If you’re not feeling the heat yet, you might want to check your vital signs.

Here’s the kicker: the last oasis is hidden beneath a booby-trapped Native American territory, and only Key holds the secret to surviving it. Enter Gael and the Revelers—a ragtag gang of desert dreamers who add a hint of Mad Max flair, but with a spirited defiance that could send Burning Man attendees scurrying indoors. With a mix of stunt performers, extras, and enough dust to disrupt your breathing, this could either be irresistibly charming or in need of a tetanus shot.

Let’s be honest—this film draws its essence from a series of cult classics:

• Mad Max: The original inspiration (obviously), albeit stripped of Hollywood’s glam.
• Waterworld: Replace ocean with desert, gills with dirt bikes.
• Turbo Kid: The DIY spirit paired with apocalyptic humor.

But here’s the bizarre twist: kids are nearly extinct, water is a form of currency, and our “hero” is already in pieces. It’s reminiscent of streaming battles, though far more desperate and with real stakes. As one unnamed crew member reportedly confided to IndieWire, “We survived on instant noodles and dealings with coyotes. If you notice any plot inaccuracies, just blame the heat.”

This isn’t Hollywood’s first foray into the apocalypse genre. Over the last ten years—think “Love and Monsters” or SyFy’s ‘Blood Drive’—low-budget doomsday films have been on the rise, hoping viewers might overlook clichéd plots if the action is explosive enough. Yet here lies a harsh reality: many end up mediocrity. ‘The Protector’ appears to have potential—the fervor is evident, the stakes are high, and those who appreciate the charm of low-fi rebels may discover something rough yet meaningful beneath the dust.

So, what will it be—will you dive in or turn away? Is it brilliance or trash? Would you choose to watch this, or invest that $20 in actual water? (No judgment if you’re already fully hydrated.)