Robert Pattinson's quest to rid himself of the tween stench of the Twilight films is in full swing. After starring in David Cronenberg's trippy neo-noir Cosmopolis, he's back with another foray into darkness.
This time, he plays an injured outlaw in The Rover, a post-apocalyptic thriller set in the Australian Outback 10 years after the demise of society. The film also stars Guy Pearce as a man who enlists Pattinson to help him track down the ruthless gang that stole his car. Director David Michôd, whose 2010 crime saga Animal Kingdom is one of the most underrated films of this decade, developed The Rover with fellow Aussie Joel Edgerton.
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Although Pattinson's last attempt to attack edgier material was met with mixed reviews, kudos to the actor for continuing to align himself with talented auteurs whose work is a far cry from the mainstream Hollywood fare that he could no doubt star in. Instead of resting on his chick-flick laurels, a gaunt, nearly bald Pattinson seems intent on playing against type. If the former teen heartthrob manages to hold his own alongside Guy Pearce here, Pattinson may finally be able to shed the pale skin of Edward Cullen, once and for all.
The Rover hits theaters later this year, but you can check out the teaser below. (Deadline)