I really enjoyed this film. There are many elements that are intricately woven throughout to keep the viewer watching from start to finish. The characters are great, and they each have their own dreadful stories to tell about their experiences of the world coming to an end. I actually liked the fact this stayed linear and didn't venture into elaborate backstory visuals, or flashbacks. The characters reveal their tragic stories at the right moments. There are a number of plot twists that keep the viewer interested.
A group of survivors are trying to make it to the homestead, where they've been promised protection. However, something happens that leads them to a more hellish location: It is not what they expected. One of the group members is not who they appeared to be. There are some internal tensions inside the group, like sibling confrontations, relationships are forming, and those already in relationships try to stay focused on survival. The group are led to what I would call a cult family, who are atrocious characters. They have their own demented vision that includes sacrificing people, which I found quite intriguing. We see the group pulled apart in a vicious way to separate them to make it easier to control them. What is this family's agenda? Will anyone make it out alive?
There are some great scenes that add horror into the story arc, especially the zombies, who are horrifying, in that not only they look real, but they also need to feed, so the graphic depictions of them eating human flesh from victims will certainly appeal to all horror and gore fans. When they eventually make it to the homestead, the horror not only increases, but it takes the film to a whole other level of depravity. What will people do to survive? This film shows the human condition at its worse.
I can't fault the plot, there is quite a lot going on, but it was delivered in a variety of ways as to keep the momentum flowing, even in the slower moments of levity. Towards the end as this wraps up, some good resolutions are made, to tie up all loose ends. The concept worked out well. The ending was great, because we have had time to invest in some of the main characters, I was satisfied with how this ended. There are fast paced action scenes when the group are killing the zombies, which is excellent. There are also slower movements, intimate and personal discussions, that are authentically delivered and help to push the narrative.
I appreciated the settings and locations. The cornfields always provoke its own type of horror. The pacing was what I'd expect, and I didn't lose track of time. The special effects were brilliant. The sound effects are extremely ghastly and enhanced the scenes wonderfully. The cinematography is profound; I like the change of POV. I think there is a nice balance of SOV and other filming techniques that helped to give the viewer different perspectives. The costumes and makeup are phenomenal! The zombies were well put together! It is clear to see the artists put everything into their work, I commend their talent. The whole way through the film the musical pieces chosen are well placed. When the action increases, so does the music. With the slower scenes, nice flowing and sometimes ethereal musical ensembles are well done and enhance the scenes intensely.
I would highly recommend this one to watch if you like zombie films. Although this is a typical zombie troupe, this one will be relatable to people, in that they have to do whatever is necessary to survive the apocalypse and the return of the corn zombies. This is another golden gem of indie filmmaking.
Reviewed by Del Gibson.
