Black Summer

I just finished the fourth episode of a series which contains eight. The second half will definitely be without me. I have a strong appetite for zombie movies, with an apocalyptic atmosphere and a mandatory survival instinct, with or without a collaborative mindset. Therefore, I approached this series with an open mind and an ultra-positive a priori. I was probably excessively enthusiastic.

Pros: this series is relatively well filmed with an ominous music and a neat photography that helps to create a scary atmosphere.

Cons: I have the impression that only the worst humans survive in this series. Either they suddenly suffer from Alzheimer's disease (the most disturbing example is with Rose who is a mother who forgets very quickly her 10-year-old daughter, while finding her should be the top priority), either they are as perverse as sadistic (like the grotesque band of little brats, in the school), either they are deeply moronic (a few examples among so many: in the chapter Alone of the 4th episode, a congenital idiot arrives in a library, settles comfortably in a sofa and starts reading a book, whereas it is not really the priority; in the chapter Dog of the 4th episode, the same dumb guy leisurely wanders in a grocery where all the shelves are oddly tidy and stocked, with a closeup on him and the top of his caddy, ... and guess what!... we only see a pack of beer and some Shreddies; in all the episodes I saw, a sexy woman stubbornly persists to speak Korean to everyone as if she did not realize that she is not in Korea; ...). In a general way, because of a crap script, each scene rhymes with mediocrity, unless this series is actually a comedy, but allow me to have some doubts about it. Personally, I can't identify myself to any of these pathetic protagonists. If you succeed, ...well... let's say it's worrying.

Survival horror? Yes, yes and yes!!! This one? No. In the ultra-quantitative cinematographic world in which we live, we have the choice. Thus, there's a plethora of zombie movies: 28 Days Later (2002), Train to Busan (2016), The Walking Dead (2010), World War Z (2013), Dawn of the Dead (2004), I Am Legend (2007), Die Nacht der lebenden Toten (1968), Zombieland (2009), Shaun of the Dead (2004), Der Re-Animator (1985), Braindead (1992), [Rec] (2007), Dead Snow (2009), One Cut of the Dead (2017), ... So, you may avoid wasting time with this series: skip it without remorse.

I was quite impressed with this show.

It's centered around the early days of a zombie apocalypse, and those who have to live through it. It adopts an almost documentary style that I found to be particularly effective.

I really enjoy the fact that the characters are always on the run and that no place is safe. The zombie menace is omnipresent and the zombies are actually, you know, deadly and aggressive. Even a lone zombie can be a real handful. It almost feels like a war movie. The characters are clearly shell shocked as the world they used to know collapses around them. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I enjoy the fact that the dialog is minimal, as it better represents the horror these people are living through. In other zombie shows, they'd be drinking lemonade at a farmhouse whilst spending 3/4 of the season endlessly talking about their feelings.

Now granted there is some "cheese", some questionable decision making by the characters, but you can't have a zombie show w/o some of it.

I sincerely hope this continues. It's better than Z-Nation, and miles better than TWD (which I used to love). I have no way of knowing, but appears there's some review "brigading" going on. I'm guessing it's the devoted fans of TWD.

Don't let the bad reviews put you off, this is a decent zombie watch! I was entertained throughout and it left me wanting a second season for sure.

It follows a group of strangers through the beginnings of a zombie apocolypse, their individual stories, interactions and ultimately connected stories.

I am not sure why this is rated lower than I would expect. For those who got sick of too much drama of Walking Dead and cannot bear Z Nation either. Right amount of suspense and action.

I had average expectations but was gripped from start to end. Cleverly shot with a real time feel, the characters are fascinating and acting to match. Looking forward to S2!