BURN THE WATER

In a dystopian London, Rafe and Jule lead rival armies, but their love draws them together despite the risks.

In the year 2425, centuries after climate change caused the River Thames to rise and flood London, two rival Houses battle for the remaining 10% of land that is above water. Disease, super-evolved animals, and obsolete technology stymie both sides as they fight for control and resources. As high-ranking military leaders, Rafe belongs to the Rogue Army while Jule fights for the Crown Army. They’re the ultimate enemies—each brought up to despise the opposing side—until a chance encounter stirs odd feelings between them. Despite the threat of being caught, Rafe and Jule continue to meet in secret until escalating conflicts between the Rogues and the Crowns and the appearance of mysterious outsiders push them to choose between their loyalties and their love. Screenwriter Ray’s young adult debut maps fairly closely onto the original Romeo and Juliet story with the addition of vivid images of a drowned city and an interesting twist ending. But the flat, one-dimensional characters make it hard to connect with or care about their fate, while an overreliance on narrative exposition bogs down the familiar plot. Main characters present white.

A dystopian retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous love story that misses the mark on emotional resonance.