Hoult then appeared in Jake Paltrow 's science-fiction film '' Young Ones '' ( 2014 ) . Set in a dystopian future where water is scarce , the film had Hoult play Flem Lever , a young man who is trying to claim the land owned by the film 's central character Ernest Holm ( Michael Shannon ) . Hoult thought the role was unlike any of his previous work and said his character 's questionable choices throughout the film intrigued him . Hoult read novels written by S. E. Hinton to prepare for the role . The film was shot in a deserted location in South Africa ; Hoult said filming in the hot weather conditions was difficult but the " beautiful " scenery helped to tell the story better . He and his co-star Elle Fanning said it also made them more conscious of environmental concerns . The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was met with mixed responses . Commentators highlighted the film 's standout scenery but were critical of its plot . Keith Uhlich of '' The A.V. Club '' said Hoult was a poor fit for the story 's " stoically retrograde machismo "
2014 Sundance Film Festival
2014 Sundance Film Festival
Nicholas Hoult