Citadel

The events are set in a contemporary, present-day urban Britain, with the characters navigating a city undergoing redevelopment. The timeframe emphasizes modern technology and social dynamics, while the atmosphere remains grim and tense. The story uses familiar urban locations to ground the horror in a plausible, realistic setting.

The story unfolds across bleak urban spaces in a modern British city. A condemned council tower block and a nearby run-down estate form the central setting, transitioning to a hospice and a hospital for Joanne, and a desolate underpass and bus depot where danger stalks the characters. Redevelopment plans threaten eviction and displace residents, intensifying the sense of threat and isolation. The physical spaces are cramped, decaying, and used to heighten fear.

🧭 Survival

Survival drives every choice as Tommy and Elsa seek safety amid random violence and a collapsing neighborhood. The film explores the limits of fear, how pain can sharpen focus, and the lengths a parent will go to protect a child. The threats are both human and environmental, forcing characters to adapt quickly. The journey from paralysis to decisive action anchors the emotional core of the story.

🏚️ Urban Decay

The condemned tower block and surrounding estate embody the decaying urban landscape. Redevelopment pressure, eviction, and neglect create a backdrop where violence seems endemic and ordinary life is fragile. The setting itself becomes a character that amplifies paranoia and fear. Decay contrasts with brief moments of community or care, highlighting the film's social undertones.

👶 Parenthood

The relationship between Tommy and his newborn daughter Elsa anchors the emotional arc of the film. The pregnancy of Joanne and her later fate add stakes to Tommy's protective instincts. The theme explores how a child can reshape a parent's priorities, driving courage in the face of danger. It also raises questions about vulnerability, responsibility, and what it means to safeguard innocence.