Gold (2022) is a gritty survival thriller set in a dystopian near-future, where society has collapsed and the world is reduced to barren wastelands. The story begins when two strangers traveling through a remote desert stumble upon the largest gold nugget ever discovered. Tempted by the promise of immense wealth, they devise a plan: one man will stay behind to guard the treasure, while the other ventures off to find equipment to extract it.
Left alone in the unforgiving desert, the man guarding the gold must endure brutal conditions โ scorching heat, violent sandstorms, and dangerous wildlife. As time stretches on with no sign of help, his physical health begins to deteriorate, and his grip on reality weakens. Paranoia and fear begin to take hold, making him question if heโs truly alone or being watched.
The film slowly builds tension through its minimalist style, focusing on the psychological unraveling of the main character. As survival becomes more difficult, the true cost of greed is revealed. His obsession with protecting the gold grows stronger, even as his body fails and his sanity begins to slip away. The harsh environment becomes a mirror of his internal collapse.
Gold (2022) is a haunting exploration of human desperation and the dark allure of wealth. With sparse dialogue, striking visuals, and a gripping performance by Zac Efron in a dramatically different role, the film delivers a powerful message about isolation, obsession, and how far one will go to protect what they think they deserve โ even when it may cost them everything.