Published in: Short Film Reviews

Short Film Review “Fallout: Echoes of the Wasteland” A simple yet wonderfully appealing endorsement of devoted fandom to a worldwide hit and its impact on those who love it

Author OneFilmFan

Published on: August 15, 2026

WATCH THE FILM BELOW:

First, the Recap:

What we aim to do in order to survive. Regardless of the world around us, whatever condition it is in, the innate desire we have as people is to find our own way through. Now, this might be slightly easier overall when said realities we reside within are relatively calm, collected, and civil. It is made slightly more challenging when things are NOT exactly ideal, wholly upended, and even threatening. How we make it through then is what tests our resolve, especially when we are then choosing to venture out into that unsettled realm.

Owen (Bobby Devlin) is a humble man simply attempting to live out his life in a small enclave, running his small goods store, grateful for each new day he sees. Why? His existence is in the Wasteland. Haunted by the shadow of a devastating war that his father had a hand in, new revelations send him outside the safety of his village to seek answers. Accompanied by a former BoS soldier Kazlow (Andrew List), will Owen find what he wishes? Or will the Wasteland claim another victim?

Next, my Mind:

Grass roots filmmaking in itself, for this critic, is such an undeniable testament to the pure fervor of taking an idea, discerning what messages are meant to be conveyed, realizing you will literally have to settle for what you have to work with at the time, financially and otherwise, knowing full well it may not (or flat out won’t!) be much, and then unabashedly running with it, all guns blazing. Independent cinema has more than its fair sure of efforts that exemplify this. In viewing such a project, even with a critical eye, one should take all those elements into consideration. Approach with an understanding of what to expect. Hoping that, as I feel should be the case, that story, heart, and soul behind what you witness shines forth and makes it worthwhile. Now, ADD to this the excitement to seeing the story presented from the perspective of a FAN as well. It is beyond just a film now. It is a PASSION PROJECT. An expression of what you LOVE and want to honor.

So, in arriving to this 57-minute indie short film from director/cinematographer/editor Bobby Devlin and writer/director/cinematographer/editor Andrew List, which finds its foundational footing in the universe established and visualized through the hit Amazon Prime television adaptation of equally popular video games series “Fallout“, we are duly and entertainingly entreated to everything described above. The narrative that sees a lone man having to finally confront the potential wins, or sins, of his father’s role in a region-altering Wasteland war and how it will change his views forever feels like we are watching an episode of the show without question, but just on a far smaller, admittedly less “polished”, yet NO less purposeful or impactful scale. It is absolutely evident Devlin and List LOVE the world of “Fallout”, and have done their utmost best to bring it to life, immerse themselves in the characters, and relish every step of the journey.

Frankly, I found it impressive that the duo were able TO re-create so many aspects of the massively involved arena that is the Wasteland, not necessarily so much in its barren vastness and landscapes, as much as with props and effects that pay excellent homage to some of the shows most iconic facets. Whether it is the core set up in Owen’s little shop that is teeming with relics illustrating so many items we’ve seen before (at least for those familiar with the games or are watching the show, mind you), clothing/costuming worn by the main and secondary characters, hints of the infamous Deathclaws, or the decent special effects that bring roaches, robots, and the BoS (Brotherhood of Steel for the uninitiated) to engaging life, to the general ambiance and interactions manifested between Owen and Kazlow that have echoes reminiscent of The Ghoul and Lucy in the show, to specific mindsets and thematic dialogue that likewise provide due tribute.

Basically, there is no doubts that Devlin and List are fans of the games and show, it that does burst forth throughout the film, whether in blatantly conspicuous or more subtle “wink wink, nod nod” instances here. I personally enjoyed the film’s finale, which was both utterly apropos plus the perfect set-up for future exploration should Devlin and List choose to do so. Methinks they just might do that! As alluded to above, visually the film is most assuredly bare bones on the surface, more so when it does come to the locations representing the Wasteland. But here’s the thing, from the start above, I mentioned we must be prepared for this and not treat this as BAD. Rather, let’s admire the efforts by the filmmakers for simply employing what they HAD at their disposal and made the most of it. THAT to me is laudable, because I lay odds there are some out there who wouldn’t have even TRIED if they felt they didn’t have the “perfect” places or “looks” to film.

Continuing to be real here, the acting is a little rough in spots, but yet ONE more time, this does NOT have to be seen as something awful or distracting. I applaud the effort again, and knowing how much this world means to these guys, that actually makes me appreciate it all to greater extents. Devlin’s Owen is performed in a manner suited to the atmosphere and demeanor that is intended, a simple man battling a familial past that is either traumatic or triumphant based on questions he requires verification and clarification for. The quest he ends up on while having to also overcome his fears about being outside his comfort zone in the Wasteland is totally plausible, and credibly acted out by Devlin, who infuses the character with hesitant trepidation, internal strength that he just needs to acknowledge and enact, and a grander drive to see the Wasteland returned to something FAR better. It’s a grounded performance that is totally fine here.

Likewise, List, who is actually a former pro wrestler known as Lee Kazlow, embodies the courage, resolve, fearless nature, and self-sacrificing boldness that the legitimate members of the BoS should possess through his role as Kazlow. A now ex-BoS soldier who strongly disagreed with the Brotherhood’s methodologies, Kazlow meets Owen when visiting his shop and ultimately agrees to be the latter’s protector through the Wasteland. The growing camaraderie the pair form as they encounter their trials traveling the Wasteland is genuine, as Kazlow makes his attempts to bring Owen out of his apprehensions and show him he CAN stand up and fight for himself and the goals he wishes to attain individually AND for the betterment of the post-apocalyptic world they reside within. List gets to suit up and engage in multiple action sequences that I unequivocally give credit to for all efforts made, mainly given his background in physical entertainment prior.

Supporting roles are plenty here, brought about by Nathan Carter, Jefferey Don, Joshua Eberhardt, Sean Kanan, Joshua Lawson, Jonathan Morgan, Ryan Nunes, James Olsen, Asher Puls, Tabs24x7, Taylor List, and Alex Zayne. I fully recognize and thank each and every one of you for your contributions to this film, as I believe you all have the same degrees of adoration for the source material the film is centered on and a magnitude of joy in getting to play characters representing it. No small parts! So, in total, “Fallout: Echoes of the Wasteland” is a worthy ode to what influenced and inspired it, a fun little low-budget wonder that carries within its uncomplicated, straightforward shell the spirit of those behind it who only wish to showcase their undying, fan-driven love and dedication to that which means so much to them. Truthfully, this is the kind of unadulterated ambition indie film promotes, and that we need SO much more of out of the cinematic domain.

STAR RATING (out of 5):

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!