The sky is blue, but the ground is barren and ashy. The wreckage of civilization — cars on deserted highways, houses crumbling in disrepair — stretches across the landscape. In an abandoned shack, Eli (Denzel Washington) rests on the dusty floor before leaving the house behind. He does not look back at the destruction and despair behind him, because devastation is nothing new in this futuristic world.

Set in post-apocalyptic America, “The Book of Eli” is a thrilling action film that brings a bleak image of the future to life through the actors’ superb performances and innovative visuals.

The film follows Eli — a mysterious figure, part missionary and part mercenary — who quotes scripture as he carries a King James Bible across the wasteland of America. He travels west for some unknown purpose, only explaining that he feels it is his destiny to take the book where it will be safe.

Washington plays Eli as the everyman, listening to his MP3 player and quoting Johnny Cash. Though Eli never reveals his purposes, Washington manages to keep the character relatable, despite his intimidating skills to kill with knives, guns or even his bare hands.

That role of the villain falls firmly on the shoulders of Carnegie (Gary Oldman), the leader of a town ruled by fear and his unwavering desire to get his hands on the book Eli carries. Oldman is one of Hollywood’s go-to actors for iniquitous characters. Though he has drifted mostly toward the side of good characters in recent years, Oldman has not lost his ability to menace and intimidate — traits that make him one of the most outstanding elements in “The Book of Eli.”

The cinematography further exploits the film’s somber mood created by the villain. The harsh lighting and high contrast make characters’ faces look tired and haggard and make the scenery look empty and dead. Bright areas are pale and washed out while shadows are darkened and exaggerated. Light and dark are also used in classic good-versus-evil symbolism.

Mila Kunis’ character Solara, the daughter of a blind woman who works for Carnegie, is a refreshing foil next to the bleak Eli. She joins forces with Eli, following him on his journey though he initially tells her he prefers to travel alone. She is innocent where he is jaded, doubting where he is faithful. Kunis holds her own in the role, even on screen with multiple-Oscar winner Washington.

“The Book of Eli” is sometimes criticized for its religious themes, but the film is far from Christian propaganda. It portrays the negatives of religion as frequently as the positives. At one point in the film Eli realizes that he has forgotten the tenets of kindness and charity that Christianity preaches in favor of holding on to its sacred text.

In the film, the Hughes brothers, who last directed 2001’s “From Hell,” have created a world as desolate as it is hopeful. The acting, coupled with the intense music and visuals, makes the film a grim, but realistic look at a foreboding future.

“The Book of Eli” was written by Gary Whitta and directed by Albert and Allen Hughes.