Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Handling the Undead has been receiving VERY mixed responses from the public which is understandable because this isn't the typical zombie movie as it's more of an art-house movie. Many have criticized the movie for being slow and uninviting but personally, I think it is a great exploration of handling loss, grief, and death with beautiful camerawork, good performances, themes, and writing.
Filmmaker Thea Hvistendahl does a pretty good job on handling the depressing and themes of death and loss with good writing, interesting character and writing choices and atmospheres throughout. Many of the camerawork, production designs, and sound designs perfectly captures the lonely, depressing background, and vibe to the setting of the environment. Including good performances from many of the cast members and the soundtrack.
As I mentioned, the narrative isn't the typical gory and horror zombie movie but rather it is more of a dramatic horror narrative about dealing with loss and grief. It's slow-burn approach is going to be off-putting for many, yet, I still found the narrative to be investing and the characters to be interesting. Grief and loss have been explored in horror movies but not in the dead living genre which I do applaud it's creative approach and unique style.
Admittedly, some of the pacing could use some improvements. There are some good solid bloody and violent moments. Particular a scene with a bunny was pretty disturbing and hard to watch that is going to make many, especially animal lovers, felt highly uncomfortable.
Overall, I really liked it. Again, I have to say again, it's not the typical horror zombie movie but more of an art-house movie.
Handling the Undead has been receiving VERY mixed responses from the public which is understandable because this isn't the typical zombie movie as it's more of an art-house movie. Many have criticized the movie for being slow and uninviting but personally, I think it is a great exploration of handling loss, grief, and death with beautiful camerawork, good performances, themes, and writing.
Filmmaker Thea Hvistendahl does a pretty good job on handling the depressing and themes of death and loss with good writing, interesting character and writing choices and atmospheres throughout. Many of the camerawork, production designs, and sound designs perfectly captures the lonely, depressing background, and vibe to the setting of the environment. Including good performances from many of the cast members and the soundtrack.
As I mentioned, the narrative isn't the typical gory and horror zombie movie but rather it is more of a dramatic horror narrative about dealing with loss and grief. It's slow-burn approach is going to be off-putting for many, yet, I still found the narrative to be investing and the characters to be interesting. Grief and loss have been explored in horror movies but not in the dead living genre which I do applaud it's creative approach and unique style.
Admittedly, some of the pacing could use some improvements. There are some good solid bloody and violent moments. Particular a scene with a bunny was pretty disturbing and hard to watch that is going to make many, especially animal lovers, felt highly uncomfortable.
Overall, I really liked it. Again, I have to say again, it's not the typical horror zombie movie but more of an art-house movie.