Dystopia is essentially the opposite of a utopia—it’s a vision of a society that’s gone wrong, where things are far from perfect. It often features oppressive governments, environmental ruin, or an extreme loss of personal freedoms. What I love about dystopian stories is how they highlight the fears we face today, like losing control over our own lives or watching the world fall apart. They might be a bit bleak, but they always make you think about the direction we’re heading in.
Dystopian fiction has always captivated me. There’s something about exploring bleak, oppressive worlds and societies on the brink of collapse that feels both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether it’s through films or books, I love diving into these alternate realities.
Some of my favourite dystopian books include The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Z for Zachariah (which I read back in school and have always loved), The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. And then there’s The Wasteland by Emily Sims, which added a new twist to the genre. Funny, whilst looking for images to accompany this post, I discovered that there was a Zachariah movie made back in 2015! I must watch it! Have you seen it?
When I’m not reading, I love watching a good dystopian or disaster movie on a Sunday afternoon—films like Mad Max and Waterworld always suck me in. There’s something about those high-stakes scenarios that keeps me glued to the screen.
What draws me to these stories isn’t just the excitement but the way they reflect on our own world. They challenge us to think critically about where we’re headed, forcing us to question societal norms and our role in shaping the future. It’s a genre that entertains, but also makes us reflect on how we live today.
What about you? Do you have a favourite dystopian film or book that made an impact on you?
FOLLOW SUZY TURNER...
