Turbo Kid
A post-apocalyptic superhero film set in an alternate 1997.
Turbo Kid is a 2015 post-apocalyptic superhero film directed and written by François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell. Its cast includes Munro Chambers, Laurence Leboeuf, Michael Ironside, Edwin Wright, Aaron Jeffery, and Romano Orzari. The story centers on a teenage comic book enthusiast who becomes a superhero in an alternate 1997, where a devastated Earth suffers from a severe water shortage. He joins forces with a mysterious young woman and a cowboy who specializes in arm wrestling to defeat a cruel warlord.
In the wasteland, a society lives under the rule of Zeus, a sadistic overlord who grinds captives into water. The Kid, a scavenger who rides a BMX bike, trades with a junk dealer named Bagu. He meets Apple, a quirky and persistent young woman, who eventually moves into his bunker. After Zeus’s men kidnap Apple, the Kid finds the remains of the real Turbo Rider, takes his armor and wrist weapon, and sets out to rescue her. Meanwhile, Frederick, an arm-wrestling cowboy, is captured while trying to save his brother. Zeus cuts off Frederick’s hand and throws him into an arena with Apple. The Kid arrives but is captured too. Together, the three escape after defeating Zeus’s warriors.
The Kid learns Apple is a robot—a friendship model—when she survives a gunshot. Damaged, she needs spare parts from a robot graveyard. Bagu directs them there but is tortured to death by Zeus, who learns their location. During a chase, Apple is decapitated by Zeus’s lead henchman, Skeletron. The Kid attaches her head to a new body but passes out from toxic fumes. Frederick, now with a robotic hand, rescues him and says Apple cannot be reactivated. They return to kill Zeus. The Kid reveals Zeus murdered his parents for water. After a fight, Apple reappears and saves the Kid. Zeus shoots all three, but the Kid is protected by a tin of View-Master discs under his armor. He blasts Zeus, who rises as a corporate-model robot. The Kid destroys him by shooting explosives, and the blast uncovers a fresh water source. Apple dies shielding the Kid. After burying her, the Kid declines Frederick’s offer to stay and rides off.
The film began as a submission for the “T” segment of the horror anthology *The ABCs of Death*. Though not selected, the anthology’s producer was impressed and encouraged the filmmakers to expand it into a feature. *Turbo Kid* premiered at the Sunda
- Release year
- 2015
- Directors
- François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell
- Lead actors
- Munro Chambers, Laurence Leboeuf, Michael Ironside
- Genre
- Post-apocalyptic superhero film
- Runtime
- Not specified in article
- Box office (US)
- $67,069
- Rotten Tomatoes approval
- 91%
Lore & Background
The film originated as T Is for Turbo, a submission for the 'T' segment in Ant Timpson's horror anthology The ABCs of Death. Though not selected, Timpson was impressed and approached the filmmakers to expand their idea into a feature. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2015, and was released in the United States by Epic Pictures Group on August 28, 2015.
Reader's Guide
Turbo Kid gained a cult following for its nostalgic homage to 1980s children's adventure films, combined with unexpectedly graphic violence. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 91% approval rating based on 55 reviews, with the site's consensus calling it 'a nostalgic ode to kids' movies of yesteryear' that 'eyes the past through an entertaining – albeit surprisingly gory – postmodern lens.' Metacritic gave it a score of 60 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Critics praised its spirit and visual style, with Dread Central awarding it five out of five stars and Bloody Disgusting calling it 'an absolute blast.' The film played in 31 cinemas across the United States and grossed $67,069. A sequel was announced on September 28, 2016, and a video game sequel, simply titled Turbo Kid, was developed by Outerminds and launched on April 9, 2024.
Did You Know?
- The film originated as a submission for the 'T' segment in the horror anthology The ABCs of Death.
- The character Apple is revealed to be a robot, a friendship model.
- The villain Zeus is also a robot, a corporate model designed to conquer competition.
- A music video for the track 'No Tomorrow' by Le Matos, released one day before the sequel announcement, serves as a prequel to the original film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Turbo Kid?
Turbo Kid is a teenage comic-book obsessive who steps into a superhero role in an alternate 1997, where a water-starved Earth is ruled by a brutal tyrant. The character is portrayed by Munro Chambers in the 2015 Canadian film.
What are Turbo Kid's powers or role in the story?
Rather than traditional superpowers, Turbo Kid's heroism stems from his comic-book-inspired identity and sheer determination. He teams up with a mysterious young woman and an arm-wrestling cowboy to mount a rebellion against the warlord Zeus.
How does Turbo Kid's story end?
The three heroes ultimately succeed in overthrowing Zeus, the sadistic warlord who has kept the wasteland population in thrall through cruelty and control, freeing the society from his rule.
Why is Turbo Kid important in teen superhero cinema?
It stands out as a style-forward, low-budget post-apocalyptic superhero story that channels 1980s comic-book energy into a bleak, water-scarce world. Despite earning only about $67,000 at the US box office, it cultivated a devoted cult following among genre fans.
Who wrote and directed Turbo Kid?
The screenplay and direction are credited to the trio of François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell, who worked together as a writing-and-directing unit on the 2015 film.
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