The post-apocalyptic genre unfolds after a catastrophic event that decimates human civilization, leaving only a fraction of humanity to carry on. These survivors are central to the narrative, although some stories intriguingly focus on mutants or robots. Typically, humans play significant roles.
The allure of post-apocalyptic narratives may stem from a variety of psychological and social factors. These stories allow us to explore the concept of survival in extreme circumstances, confront our fears in a safe environment, and experience a sense of thrill and adventure. They also reflect our deepest anxieties and can serve as a metaphor for personal or societal challenges. Moreover, the idea of a reset or a fresh start after an apocalypse can be appealing, offering a canvas for exploring new possibilities and the resilience of the human spirit.
Post-apocalyptic scenarios vary widely. In the “The Terminator” series, a nuclear apocalypse occurs, with Skynet obliterating most major cities. This type of apocalypse is prevalent, akin to global wars where nations battle until utter devastation ensues. Other times, apocalypses stem from aggressive extraterrestrial invasions or mysterious epidemics. Some narratives explore enigmatic natural phenomena that remain unexplained yet become part of the new world order. Another favorite is the zombie apocalypse.
The fascination with potential catastrophes that could wipe out humanity has long inspired writers and filmmakers. These apocalyptic themes often intermingle, creating complex narratives. For instance, combining a zombie outbreak with nuclear war is entirely plausible. But the underlying question remains: what draws us so compellingly to the post-apocalyptic theme?
We’ll begin with the simple and seemingly superficial reasons, progressing towards the more complex, profound, and philosophical. The first reason appears to be the setting itself—a collection of external indicators that instantly signal a post-apocalyptic scenario.
There’s an undeniable allure to this. There’s a certain enchantment in these landscapes. The remnants of a bygone civilization, now blanketed in sand or engulfed by lush greenery. It’s the peculiar, enigmatic energy of countless items that once held great importance, belonged to someone, and are now eternally fixed in place, weathered by winds, rain, frost, radioactive debris, small creatures, and more. As children, we were drawn to explore an abandoned house or play tag at a construction site. Remember those times? Some still find such activities irresistibly thrilling.
The first reason is the alluring, unparalleled atmosphere, be it sandy deserts, charred forests, or verdant areas. Snow-draped ruins or the sun-blasted facades of deserted buildings inexplicably draw us in. Perhaps it’s a remnant of life in densely populated cities, where throngs of people bustle daily, ignoring each other, creating a monotonous, indifferent drone. The void and solitude of such places offer a chance to be alone with oneself.
The second reason seems more pragmatic compared to the allure of the setting itself. The post-apocalyptic world is an excellent backdrop for delving into the most significant characters – humans. It’s a sort of universal freedom where every survivor, every protagonist, or a common character is at liberty to act as they wish. The author then zooms in on an individual, examining how they would behave in a world devoid of limits, rules, or even literal boundaries. The post-apocalyptic heroes often have the freedom to roam the world at will. Whether they fall prey to mutant beasts, are slain by frenzied raiders, or encounter other misfortunes, these are mere details.
It’s unsurprising to say that in any book, from a chivalric romance to a futuristic cyberpunk tale, the central figures are humans. The more vividly they are portrayed, the more their deeds brim with passion, emotion, and logic, the more appealing they become. Indeed, even if a book is about talking crocodiles, these crocodiles are still imbued with human traits that we recognize.
The post-apocalypse embodies the forbidden dream of absolute freedom, raising questions about who will control it and what will dominate in humanity: base instincts or noble ideals? Moreover, the post-apocalypse naturally includes a spirit of adventure. The allure of complete liberation from societal rules, norms, and dogmas is a compelling aspect that draws us to this genre.
Another simple reason, third on this list, is that the post-apocalypse, whether depicted in comics, movies, video games, or books, offers a safe yet thrilling adventure. I won’t elaborate too much on this point, as it’s quite evident. Works of any genre, from fantasy to cyberpunk, provide a journey of intense emotions, candid thoughts, and self-reflection, all enjoyed from the comfort of our favorite couch or armchair—assuming, of course, that the work is well-crafted and truly immersive.
The most potent reason for our fascination with this genre is our fear of the future. Indeed, it is the fear of that yet undetermined future.
The future remains uncertain. Yet, most individuals possess analytical thinking and can make complex or simple predictions based on available data. Such data suggest that humanity frequently falters, plunging into military conflicts and man-made disasters. These events fuel a fear of the future, prompting questions about what lies ahead, what tomorrow may bring, and the unknowns that may arise. This fear stimulates the imagination, conjuring increasingly dire visions of a bleak, post-apocalyptic future.
The rise of the post-apocalyptic genre in film and literature following the two world wars is unsurprising. While some works predate these events, it’s widely acknowledged that the genre flourished in the latter half of the twentieth century, becoming a staple of modern culture across literature, film, art, and beloved video games. The devastating impact of these wars has indelibly altered history, ensuring the world will never be the same. The fear of the future resembles a dark cave or a mysterious door at the end of a corridor in an abandoned building. Despite the trepidation, there’s an innate curiosity to peer behind the door, to enter the cave, to discover what lies within and, perhaps, to confront and conquer the fear itself.
As human beings, we hold onto the hope that not everything is lost for us. We believe that the post-apocalypse, despite its horrors, will always lead to the emergence of something new. What lies beyond the door? There will be countless enthralling tales of heroes, both courageous and less so. These stories illustrate the perpetual conflict between the base and the sublime within us, affirming that life persists. It appears to me that this is one of the fundamental reasons why the post-apocalyptic genre captivates us as the ultimate consumers of this cultural product.
