Synopsis: The zombie apocalypse is under control, sort of. If the virus is caught within the first several hours, a protein may be able to save the infected and let them lead normal lives, so long as they take a dose every day.
When the national supply runs low, however, and scientists are behind in developing a synthetic version, tensions between hate groups and “The Returned” rises. Kate (Emily Hampshire) and her Returned love, Alex (Kris Holden-Ried) are faced with a tough decision.
Leslie’s Review: I wasn’t expecting much going into this one, but it’s a surprisingly well-done movie. The pacing is on point with top-notch thrillers, and I took particular notice of the dynamic camerawork. The opening sequence gives the audience a solid background of both humanity when the zombie plague hit as well as a look into the young life of our main character, Kate. It’s terrifying, but not in the typical, horror zombie fashion.
The writers could have easily substituted any affliction with the zombie virus. At its core, this film is a heart wrenching thriller about human nature. It’s a sociological look at how we treat others in a crisis. Some step up and show complete kindness and courage while others take a more self-serving attitude and opt for survival no matter the cost to others. Typical of post-modern horror, the zombies aren’t the monsters, sure they snack on a few people when they turn, but the humans are the real villains.
I appreciate when filmmakers take a genre film and give it a little more substance, and I think that screenwriter Hatem Khraiche and director Manuel Carballo have made a powerful commentary for those who feel trapped between two worlds and isolated from both. It premiered at the Sitges Film Festival in Spain last year but has since been making its way across the globe. It’s worth an hour and forty minutes if you come across it.
Director: Manuel Carballo
Origin: Spain, Canada
This post was originally written by Leslie Shaip. You can follow her rants and movie reviews on her blog: Gallimaufry