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 jours plus tard (2002), Dernier train pour Busan (2016), The Walking Dead (2010), World War Z (2013), L'Armée des morts (2004), Je suis une légende (2007), La Nuit des morts-vivants (1968), Bienvenue à Zombieland (2009), Shaun of the Dead (2004), Re-Animator (1985), Braindead (1992), [REC] (2007), Dead Snow (2009), Ne coupez pas ! (2017), ... So, you may avoid wasting time with this series: skip it without remorse.

Watched both season in a weeks time. First season was very good; would have given 7, maybe 8 stars. I was confused from the get go on season 2. I watched until then end on it didn't get better. Could have done without the second season.

There are plenty of zombie shows and movies but this show did very important things right. It felt like an apocalypse you could be in yourself. The only thing this show lacks is star power, something I don't consider a weakness. It's not on display and that's a good thing. The problem with modern audiences is that when I try to sell them on a show the first thing they ask is "who's in it". My favorite thing about this show is how dangerous the zombies are, because let's face it, shooting a zombie in the head is not easy when it's running at you like a maniac. 'The diner' and 'the heist' from season 1 along with 'card game' from season 2 is some of the best story telling I've seen on a show. This is a gem of a show and worth a look.

Why can't soneone write a zombie apocalypse story where most people are of average intelligence or higher? Instead the writers always seem to think the only way to create tension is to make 95% of the main characters as dumb as a box of hair.

I get it that people panic and make wrong or silly decisions at times, but to never learn to close a door behind you, or to have 6 people mow down a single zombie with about 100 rounds and not one is a headshot, even though they've seen that this won't stop them. I mean COME ON.

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!