Given its plot about how everyone is 12 hours away from death, it goes without saying that the whole movie is a Tear Jerker. But that's not to say it doesn't have moments that stand out as being particularly depressing.
- The operator of radio VK6DF. Having the despondent tone and voice of detailing what the current state of the Earth throughout the film easily creates the somber atmospheric tone of how everyone on this Earth is going to die and that every form of life will be extinguished. The only thing he can do at-least in running that radio station is to give everyone comfort while they're with their loved ones and families and some consolation that they might meet again when it is all over.
- When he mentions his brother living in the Asian region, you could somewhat feel his Despair Event Horizon now completely solidifying on the fact that Australia is finally the last bastion of humanity before incineration.
- Despite being a total bitch to James, you could at least sympathise with Vicki when she broke down crying in front of him when James gave her the Brutal Honesty of how her bunker is not sufficient enough to keep them safe, no less surviving the surface when the rations run out. Besides, if you were in her shoes you would react the same.
- James' final meeting with his mother.James' Mum: You know what pisses me off the most, James? I already did this. I already said goodbye to you a number of times - more than once. And you had to turn up for real.
- Rose choosing to stay with her dead family members' bodies as the World-Wrecking Wave encroaches on the last remaining inhabitants on the planet.
- Near the end of the movie, James watches Rose in the rearview mirror chasing after him. This scene doubles as a tearjerker and a Heartwarming Moment. On one hand, they're both about to die a fiery death along with the rest of the world, but on the other, it's touching to see that James actually found hope and a final chance for redemption thanks to Rose, and Rose is expressing her final gratitude to him for his efforts to escort her to her father. Just try watching this scene and keeping your eyes dry.Rose: I'll watch you until I can't see you anymore. Will you watch me until you can't see me anymore?"
- The ending. Every life form on the planet is now extinct. Not even knowing it was coming helps much.
- The Silent Credits. As if it wasn't bad enough that you just saw the entire earth being incinerated, the only thing you can hear is the rumbling of fire that drove the world to its extinction.
