Review by paul_m_haakonsen

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.