Understanding the apocalpyse

Don’t worry if you’ve missed the apocalypse because another one will be along in a minute. After The Day of the Triffids aired on BBC over Christmas three post-apocalyptic thrillers – The Book of Eli, Daybreakers and The Road – will be out in the cinema in January.

Several commentators have remarked on the popularity of this genre but they tend not to understand its significance. Some relate it to climate change while others see it as part of a timeless eschatology.

In my view it should be linked to the profound sense of pessimism that has enveloped contemporary society.