I Am Legend

I Am Legend is a gripping post-apocalyptic action thriller film released in 2007, directed by Francis Lawrence. The film stars Will Smith as Robert Neville, a virologist fighting for survival in a deserted New York City. The movie is inspired by Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name, showcasing a world ravaged by a virus initially intended to cure cancer. The virus, known as the Krippin Virus, has decimated the human population, leaving Neville as one of the last survivors, surrounded by nocturnal mutants known as Darkseekers.

The film opens in 2009, three years after the virus outbreak has transformed most of humanity into dangerous mutants. Robert Neville lives a solitary life in a fortified home, accompanied only by his loyal German Shepherd, Sam. Every day, he carries out experiments in hopes of finding a cure, while also broadcasting messages to attract any remaining survivors. However, his routine is fraught with danger as he faces nightly threats from the Darkseekers.

The production of I Am Legend began in 2006 after years of development by Warner Bros., which initially started in 1994. Filming took place mostly in New York City, capturing its iconic locations devoid of life. The film features a significant scene shot at the Brooklyn Bridge, which alone cost $5 million, and required the cooperation of multiple government agencies to construct a realistic evacuation scenario.

Upon its release on 14 December 2007, I Am Legend achieved remarkable box office success, grossing $585 million worldwide. It set a record for the highest December opening weekend for a non-Christmas film, and received positive reviews from critics, particularly praising Smith’s performance. However, some raised concerns regarding its departure from the original novel, especially regarding the film's ending.

The plot thickens when Neville encounters a group of immune survivors, Anna and a young boy named Ethan, who change his outlook on the possibility of a future. As they band together, Neville continues to work on a serum that he believes could cure the Darkseekers, leading to intense confrontations and a dramatic climax in his basement laboratory.

The film features two different endings. In the theatrical version, Neville sacrifices himself to save Anna and Ethan, ensuring the cure survives. An alternate ending, initially cut from the theatrical release, suggests a more hopeful resolution, implying that Neville’s actions could have a lasting impact on the Darkseekers.

The talented cast includes Alice Braga as Anna, Charlie Tahan as Ethan, and Abbey and Kona as Sam. The film’s score, composed by James Newton Howard, adds an emotional depth to the experience. The soundtrack also features songs by Bob Marley, further enhancing the film's themes of loss and hope.

With its thought-provoking narrative about survival and the human condition, I Am Legend remains a significant entry in the survival and apocalyptic genre, and its exploration of isolation and sacrifice resonates with audiences. Following its success, a sequel was announced in March 2022, with Smith returning to reprise his role.