Introducing The Bad Batch (2016): A Dystopian Fever Dream Starring Jason Momoa

Overview

The Bad Batch (2016), directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, is a bold, genre-defying film that blends dystopian horror, surreal romance, and gritty survival drama. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the film follows Arlen (Suki Waterhouse), a young woman navigating a lawless desert populated by cannibals, cultists, and outcasts. Jason Momoa delivers a standout performance as Miami Man, a brooding, physically imposing cannibal with unexpected depth. With its striking visuals, eclectic soundtrack, and unapologetic weirdness, The Bad Batch is a cinematic experience that polarizes audiences but leaves an indelible mark.

Released at the Venice Film Festival in 2016, the film garnered attention for its audacious storytelling and Amirpour’s distinctive directorial voice, following her acclaimed debut, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014). While not a commercial blockbuster, The Bad Batch has cultivated a cult following for its raw energy, thematic ambition, and Momoa’s magnetic presence.

Plot Summary

The film opens with Arlen, a young woman branded as one of society’s “bad batch”—undesirables exiled to a fenced-off desert in Texas. Almost immediately, she is captured by a tribe of cannibals who amputate her arm and leg. After a daring escape, Arlen finds refuge in Comfort, a makeshift town ruled by a mysterious guru known as The Dream (Keanu Reeves). As she adapts to her new reality, Arlen crosses paths with Miami Man (Jason Momoa), a cannibal searching for his missing daughter, Honey (Jayda Fink).

The narrative unfolds as a slow-burn exploration of survival, identity, and unlikely connections. Arlen and Miami Man’s paths intertwine in a surreal journey through the desert, forcing them to confront their pasts and question their humanity. The film’s plot is deliberately sparse, prioritizing atmosphere and character over conventional storytelling, which may challenge some viewers but rewards those who embrace its dreamlike rhythm.

Cast and Characters

• Suki Waterhouse as Arlen: The film’s protagonist, Arlen is a resilient survivor whose physical and emotional scars shape her journey. Waterhouse brings a quiet intensity to the role, portraying Arlen’s evolution from victim to empowered antihero.
• Jason Momoa as Miami Man: Momoa’s Miami Man is a towering, tattooed cannibal with a complex inner life. A devoted father and reluctant predator, he balances brute strength with vulnerability. Momoa’s physicality and charisma make Miami Man a captivating figure, stealing scenes with minimal dialogue.
• Keanu Reeves as The Dream: Reeves plays the enigmatic leader of Comfort, a cult-like figure who oversees a hedonistic community. His performance is understated yet unsettling, adding a layer of menace to the film’s world.
• Jim Carrey as The Hermit: In a nearly unrecognizable role, Carrey plays a mute scavenger who roams the desert. His silent, expressive performance adds a touch of humanity to the bleak landscape.
• Giovanni Ribisi as The Screamer: Ribisi’s eccentric, unhinged character injects dark humor into the film, embodying the chaos of the wasteland.

Themes and Symbolism

The Bad Batch is rich with thematic layers, exploring societal rejection, survival, and the search for belonging. The “bad batch” concept serves as a metaphor for marginalized groups, with the exiled characters forming their own fractured communities. The film critiques consumerism and conformity through Comfort’s opulent excess, juxtaposed with the cannibals’ primal existence.

Cannibalism itself is a provocative symbol, representing both desperation and the consumption of others to survive. However, Amirpour avoids moralizing, instead presenting her characters as products of their environment. The romance between Arlen and Miami Man, though unconventional, underscores themes of redemption and connection, suggesting that humanity persists even in the darkest circumstances.

Visually, the film uses the desert as a canvas for existential isolation, with wide shots emphasizing the characters’ insignificance against the vast landscape. The surreal imagery—skateboards, neon lights, and a giant boombox—creates a dreamlike tone, blending gritty realism with psychedelic flourishes.

Jason Momoa’s Performance

Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Miami Man is a highlight, showcasing his range beyond the action-hero archetype. At the time, Momoa was gaining prominence for roles like Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, but The Bad Batch allowed him to explore a more nuanced character. Miami Man is both terrifying and tender, a man driven by survival instincts yet anchored by love for his daughter. Momoa’s physical presence—hulking, scarred, and covered in tattoos—contrasts with his subtle expressions, conveying pain and longing without words.

A standout scene involves Miami Man sketching in a notebook, revealing his artistic side and hinting at a life before the wasteland. Momoa’s ability to balance menace and vulnerability makes Miami Man a fan favorite, cementing his status as a versatile actor capable of carrying complex roles.

Direction and Style

Ana Lily Amirpour’s direction is fearless, blending genres with a confident hand. Her background in music videos is evident in the film’s stylized visuals and curated soundtrack, featuring artists like Die Antwoord, Culture Club, and Ace of Base. The score, composed by artists like Darkside and Federico Ferrandina, enhances the film’s eerie, otherworldly vibe.

Cinematographer Lyle Vincent captures the desert’s harsh beauty, using natural light to create stark contrasts and vibrant sunsets. The film’s pacing, while deliberate, mirrors the characters’ aimless existence, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its world. Amirpour’s refusal to spoon-feed explanations adds to the film’s mystique, though it may frustrate those seeking a traditional narrative.

Production and Reception

The Bad Batch was produced by Annapurna Pictures and Vice Media, with a budget of approximately $6 million. Filming took place in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, lending authenticity to the desolate setting. The production faced challenges, including extreme heat and logistical difficulties, but the cast and crew’s commitment shines through in the final product.

Upon release, the film received mixed reviews. Critics praised its visuals, performances, and originality but noted its slow pace and ambiguous plot as divisive. It holds a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its polarizing nature. Audiences were similarly split, with some hailing it as a visionary masterpiece and others finding it impenetrable. Despite its niche appeal, the film has gained traction on streaming platforms like Netflix, where its bold aesthetic resonates with adventurous viewers.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Bad Batch is a cult classic in the making, celebrated for its unapologetic weirdness and genre-blending bravado. It solidified Amirpour as a distinctive voice in independent cinema and showcased Momoa’s potential as a leading man. The film’s exploration of outsider identity and societal decay remains relevant, resonating with audiences grappling with division and alienation.

Its influence can be seen in subsequent dystopian works that embrace surrealism and moral ambiguity. For fans of unconventional cinema—like Mad Max: Fury Road or Under the Skin—The Bad Batch offers a unique, if challenging, experience.

Why Watch The Bad Batch?

The Bad Batch is not for everyone. Its slow pace, graphic violence, and enigmatic storytelling demand patience and an open mind. However, for those willing to embrace its peculiarities, the film offers a haunting, visually stunning journey. Jason Momoa’s captivating performance, paired with Amirpour’s bold vision, makes it a must-watch for fans of dystopian cinema and offbeat storytelling.

Whether you’re drawn to its existential themes, eclectic soundtrack, or Momoa’s raw charisma, The Bad Batch is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to challenge, provoke, and inspire.

Where to Watch

As of June 2025, The Bad Batch is available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (subject to regional availability). It can also be rented or purchased on digital platforms like iTunes, YouTube, and Google Play.