Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End is a Spanish-language zombie thriller directed by Carles Torrens. Despite some strong emotional beats and an interesting premise, the film struggles to stand out among the many zombie films that have come before it. It borrows heavily from popular media like The Last of Us and fails to offer anything groundbreaking to the genre.
Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End
Director: Carles Torrens
Cast: Francisco Ortiz, José María Yazpik, Amalia Gómez
Rating: 2/5
Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Francisco Ortiz | Manel | Blends vulnerability and resourcefulness well. |
| José María Yazpik | Russian Crew Member | Plays a mysterious but underdeveloped role. |
| Amalia Gómez | Neighbor | Adds emotional depth in the first act. |
Character Analysis
- Manel: The protagonist, Manel, is portrayed by Francisco Ortiz, who embodies the perfect blend of vulnerability and survival instinct. His portrayal of grief and desperation feels authentic, making his journey compelling.
- Supporting Characters: José María Yazpik and Amalia Gómez provide support, but their roles lack significant development.
Storyline Overview
The film follows Manel, a grieving man who has just lost his wife in a tragic car accident. As he struggles to cope with his grief, a zombie outbreak adds chaos to his life. Initially, Manel decides to stay indoors, but he is soon forced to make a perilous journey across the city to reunite with his sister’s family in the Canary Islands.
- Opening: The film opens with a flashback to Manel’s loss, establishing the emotional core.
- Journey: Manel’s journey is fraught with danger and unexpected encounters, including a significant friendship with an elderly neighbor and a tense experience aboard a ship with Russian survivors.
- Structure: The film is divided into sections reminiscent of a road movie, with each chapter highlighting a new challenge.
Choreography and Action Sequences
The action scenes are a mixed bag in Apocalypse Z.
Strengths
- Emotional Beats: The early moments with Manel and his elderly neighbor add emotional stakes to the narrative.
- Character-Driven Action: The focus on Manel’s vulnerability rather than superhero-like strength makes the film more relatable.
Weaknesses
- Lack of Suspense: The action lacks tension and creativity, failing to build the dread needed for a zombie thriller.
- Repetitive Violence: Several scenes of zombie attacks feel repetitive and poorly choreographed, with frenzied editing that makes it hard to follow.
Screenplay and Direction
Carles Torrens opts for a character-driven approach but fails to elevate the narrative beyond clichés.
Pros
- Grounded Emotion: The film’s first act establishes a solid emotional foundation, which makes Manel’s journey feel personal.
- Character Depth: The screenplay spends time fleshing out Manel, making him a more relatable protagonist.
Cons
- Unoriginal Plot: The film heavily borrows from existing zombie media, especially The Last of Us.
- Pacing Issues: The second act drags, particularly during the subplot aboard the ship.
Special Aspects of the Movie
Unique Points
- Emotional Core: The film stands out by focusing on Manel’s grief and human connections, a rare angle in zombie thrillers.
- Realistic Survival: Unlike many zombie films where characters magically acquire skills, Manel’s evolution is gradual and believable.
Missed Opportunities
- No Political Commentary: The film doesn’t use its zombie apocalypse setting to make any allegorical statements, unlike other movies in the genre.
- Unmemorable Set Pieces: It lacks iconic scenes that are typical of successful thrillers, like the suspenseful sequences in A Quiet Place.
Box Office Performance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget | Not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue | Moderate streaming performance on Prime Video |
| Audience Response | Mixed reactions, with praise for acting but criticism of the plot |
The movie didn’t achieve significant success and received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. The lack of originality and engaging action sequences contributed to its underwhelming performance.
Overall Analysis
Pros
- Francisco Ortiz’s Acting: Ortiz brings a genuine emotional weight to Manel’s character.
- Character Focus: The movie’s emphasis on personal loss and survival sets it apart from action-heavy thrillers.
Cons
- Repetitive Action: The zombie attacks become predictable and lose their impact.
- Derivative Plot: The heavy influence of other zombie thrillers, especially The Last of Us, makes the film feel unoriginal.
- Pacing Issues: The movie’s momentum slows down significantly in the second act.
Conclusion
Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End aims to provide a character-driven take on the zombie genre but is ultimately let down by its lack of suspense and originality. Francisco Ortiz’s performance and the film’s emotional depth are commendable, but repetitive action scenes and a derivative plot prevent it from being memorable. While it’s not a complete disaster, it doesn’t leave a lasting impact either.
Rating: 2/5
Table Summary of Key Elements
| Aspect | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | Francisco Ortiz’s performance | Underdeveloped supporting characters |
| Choreography | Emotional focus | Poorly shot action scenes |
| Screenplay | Strong first act | Dragging second act and unoriginal plot |
| Direction | Character-driven approach | Lacks creativity and suspense |
For a more thrilling and original zombie experience, you might be better off revisiting classic titles. Apocalypse Z may entertain those seeking simple thrills but falls short of becoming a genre standout.