Apocalypse Z: Are Zombie Films Running Out of Ideas?

Hello Peliplaters!

It had been ages since I last watched a zombie movie. So when I discovered Amazon Prime had released a new one—in Spanish, no less—I was thrilled.

Yet after viewing it, I was left with a sense of "empty satisfaction."

"It's a decent film," I mused, "but have zombie movies run out of fresh ideas?"

To be fair, this film isn't entirely devoid of originality compared to its predecessors. It effectively explores the premise: "What if COVID could turn humans into zombies?" Director Carles Torrens demonstrates a keen grasp of the pandemic-era landscape. His cinematography evokes the desolation felt during the COVID outbreak, while his diverse cast reflects the complexities of human nature in crisis. The story features a range of characters—elderly, young, children, and even a cat—not only bringing vivid details to life on screen but also realistically portraying the psychological contradictions humans face in dangerous situations.

P.S. Speaking of pets in apocalyptic films, I can't help but mention the dog in I Am Legend and the cat in A Quiet Place: Day One. These furry companions more than doubled the movies' watchability, adding a heartwarming touch to the bleak landscapes.

If Apocalypse Z had been released a decade ago, it would have been highly acclaimed. As mentioned, it has several admirable features. However, for zombie film enthusiasts increasingly weary of the genre, these highlights are merely "passable" rather than "surprising." Carles' predicament is akin to developing a new Coca-Cola flavor for one of the world's most demanding audiences—consumers who buy new products out of brand loyalty and curiosity, yet are often both critical and easily jaded.

"You've betrayed the original flavor!" This reaction is common.

"It's not nearly as good as the original!" This response is even more prevalent.

I sympathize with Carles; he likely made this film just to earn a living. Otherwise, as a zombie film enthusiast himself, he might have concluded, "We really don't need any more zombie films."

I believe Coca-Cola will continue to thrive for at least another century, as long as it doesn't actively push out new products that lead to unnecessary losses.

However, just as we love Coca-Cola not solely for its taste, our appreciation for zombie films isn’t based only on its style. At its core, Coca-Cola is carbonated water, while zombie films can be categorized as a form of human fantasy exploring the relationship between death and the soul. These films challenge our moral concepts related to modern science and religious beliefs. Subconsciously, we grapple with questions like "Is brain death truly death?" and "Are our emotions tied to the soul or the body?"

The horror of zombie films prompts its audience to reconsider what it means to be “alive.”

Clearly, we still need new zombie films.

The original Coca-Cola flavor is indeed classic, but it's the constant introduction of new flavors that truly demonstrates people's love for carbonated drinks. The original flavor merely arrived earlier than its counterparts, and it doesn't necessarily make it superior among the myriad potential flavors of carbonated water.

As for Apocalypse Z, Carles has already shown his keen grasp of audience’s subconscious. The key is to avoid recycling decade-old story patterns. Just as developers of new Coca-Cola flavors must think beyond the original success formula, creators of zombie films must break free from past narrative frameworks.

I'm eagerly anticipating his next story.