A few characters remark on how nature has reclaimed Pripyat. In fact, nature has adapted so well to the site that in 1991 researchers found a type of fungus growing in Chernobyl that metabolizes radiation for energy, in much the same way that plants use sunlight. Scientists are using the International Space Station to investigate whether these sorts of fungi can function as a sort of radiation shield in space.
Oren Peli first thought of the idea for the story when he saw a photo blog posted by a girl traveling through Pripyat on a motorcycle [elenafilatova.com].
The film was shot on location in Hungary and Serbia.
The group briefly takes a picture of themselves standing in front of a Ferris wheel. The Pripyat amusement park, which prominently features in the film, was never open to the public, as it was supposed to have its grand opening on May 1st, 1986. The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26.
Real Ukrainian tours to Prypiat and Chernobyl can be booked online for under 100 USD.