The Returned

The Returned (2013)

I'm sure every screenwriter is straining to find a way to tap into the zombie movie craze while it's hot. So here's the latest twist—an antidote exists for zombie-ness. Those who are now safely taking their medication are no longer zombies and are dubbed "the Returned."

Of course, these are prejudiced against, and of course there is a constant search for enough medicine to go around—but I'm getting ahead of myself. The main point is that now we can have the threat of zombies without quite having zombies. So maybe this isn't a zombie movie after all!

Except it is, and cleverly so. The leading woman is a doctor who is aware the shortage of medicine—and someone she loves (unnamed here) is one of the Returned, so it matters very much. Tension builds nicely in a couple of different ways, and the general mood (mostly avoiding the usual grotesqueness) is steadily intense. It's good stuff, and a nice surprise. I'm not sure why the overall rating is so low.

This is a Spanish production with a mostly North American cast, so it's basically a low budget fringe film. It doesn't feel like it, however, so expect something solid. Canadian Emily Hampshire is the leading actor, and she gives it all credibility. If there is a weakness here it might be a lack of adventure—the plot follows its logical line closely and the small turns of events are not surprising, quite.

Still, it's well enough done I say, watch it if you are inclined to this kind of movie at all. Or to a quieter kind of zombie plot.

This is not a horror movie, but a thriller/suspense that addresses survival both at an individual and societal level. The plot is very well written, clever, rich in events and details, and no more predictable than strictly needed. It is entertaining, and at the same time intellectually and emotionally satisfying. Every single character is relevant, understandable, and put to good use.

All the necessary ingredients are there to deliver the story: a perfect cast, well balanced paces, impacting music, etc. The only thing I didn't like was the introductory titles, with their visually sickening spastic effects, but that's a detail really; it doesn't change my global opinion.

It's enjoyable to feel for the characters and to feel involved in a story once in a while. The Returned is a treat.

I have been wondering: where do all these zombie films come from? This one comes from Canada. Like everything else, genres come and go in cycles. Fortunately, this is one of the better in the cycle, if it is even a zombie film at all.

Very good news: this isn't a 'found footage' mess, so those of you, that like me prefer real movies, will be pleased.

In an interesting twist a 'new' take is offered on the 'zombies have problems too' theme. Early on we find that a serum that keeps the undead alive and normal is running out. What to do! From there we are treated to a very nice thriller.

In fact, thematically this could easily seen as a thriller and not a zombie movie. If you are one that must wince as you avoid the screen during some of the bloodier flesh-consuming relatives to The Returned don't worry. Very little of that untidy stuff.

For a small budget we get some pretty fair production. Nice camera work, nice score, all filmed in Canada where apparently one gets quite a bit for their money. And, the dreary Canadian background seems very fitting, nice and gray.

Though no one in the cast really stands out they all perform very well together. Unlike other small budget films there isn't that actor or two that is such a 'clinker' that the whole production suffers.

Overall, very watchable, on par with the better made for television stuff. I have read that some feel the ending is a bit shocking, but I can't agree with that at all. The plot is developed nicely by that point and all fits together very well for me.

It was the cover for this movie that initially caught my interest, as anything involving zombies does. So of course I had to give this movie a go.

And I will say, now that I have seen it, that it does bring some new energy and a whole new approach to the zombie genre. This is not your average shambling zombie movie where everyone is devoured in a galore of ghastly gore and blood. No, this is more intellectual approach to the genre.

The movie is about a strange virus that infects people with an odd disease, that if left untreated and not kept in check by a special serum, then those infected will turn into 'zombies' (in lack of a better word). However, this serum can only be extracted from a dying infected person, and as such, the amount of serum is short and time is running out for those infected.

If you enter this movie with the hopes of this being a bloody gore movie, then you will be sorely disappointed. There is very little of that, and there are no decaying, shambling zombies about to be found. But even with the lack of that (stereotypical aspect of the zombie genre), then "The Returned" turned out to be a really entertaining movie, and a nice breath of air to the genre.

Now, I assume that "The Returned" is not suitable for just anyone, but watch the movie with an open mind - pardon the pun - if you enjoy the zombie genre, because the movie is actually quite good.

The cast hired for the various roles were doing great jobs with their given roles. Especially Kris Holden-Ried who played Alex, he really carried the movie so nicely.

As for the ending of the movie, well, I personally didn't care for that particular ending, as it was stupid and sort of an insult to the entire movie that you just sat through and enjoyed. It was a shame that director Manuel Carballo went with that particular ending in my opinion.

But all in all, then "The Returned" is a well worthy addition to the zombie movie genre for its originality and different approach to the genre.

After a zombie outbreak, the infected people survive due to a vaccine made of the the spinal fluid of dead zombies and they are called "Returned". Dr. Kate (Emily Hampshire) works in a hospital and is responsible for the wing of Returned". There is a rumor that the vaccine is running out and Kate secretly buys vaccines from Eve (Melina Matthews), who is the responsible for the storeroom. Kate's beloved husband, the musician Alex (Kris Holden-Ried), was infected and only Kate and Alex's brother Jacob (Shawn Doyle) and his wife Amber (Claudia Bassols) knows. When the vaccine runs out, the government brings the infected people to quarantine centers while research a synthetic vaccine. However, Alex and Kate flee to Jacob's house in the countryside expecting that Alex survives until the synthetic vaccine becomes reality. But when Alex's wallet is stolen, Kate's last hope is to get some vaccines from the director of the hospital where she works. Will she succeed?

"The Returned" is among the best zombie movies with a dramatic and credible story and outstanding direction and performances. The behavior of the human beings feeling despair for the situation with beloved ones is impressive and realistic. The dark conclusion is predictable but also perfect. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Retornados" ("Returned")

Note: On 21 Aug 2020, I saw this film again.