The Book of Eli (2010)

"The Book of Eli" is a gripping American post-apocalyptic action film directed by the Hughes Brothers (Albert and Allen Hughes), released in 2010. Written by Gary Whitta, it blends stark survivalism with a spiritual undertone, set in a desolate world ravaged by a cataclysmic event. The story follows Eli (Denzel Washington), a solitary wanderer traversing a barren, sun-scorched America decades after a nuclear fallout. Armed with a machete and unshakable resolve, he carries a mysterious book—the last surviving Bible—which he believes holds the key to humanity’s redemption. His journey pits him against ruthless warlord Carnegie (Gary Oldman), who covets the book’s power to control the desperate remnants of society. Alongside a young woman, Solara (Mila Kunis), Eli faces bandits, betrayal, and brutal odds to protect his sacred charge. Praised for Washington’s commanding performance, Oldman’s menacing charisma, and a muted, ash-gray aesthetic by cinematographer Don Burgess, "The Book of Eli" delivers visceral action and a haunting twist. Its score by Atticus Ross and eerie sound design amplify the tension of a world on the brink. Released in 2010, "The Book of Eli" garnered mixed reviews but found a strong audience, lauded for its bold fusion of faith and dystopia. A box-office hit, it remains a standout for its gritty style and provocative meditation on hope amidst ruin.