The Returned (2013)★★★★☆

I liked this movie a lot. It’s a zombie movie, sort of. (Some spoilers ahead) It’s like this…post zombie apocalypse story of humanity at its worst. And it’s great. The music is well done, the acting is good, and the story is riveting. The pacing is wonderful so the suspense builds and builds and the climactic scenes really pay off.

My only real problem with it was that I kept thinking the guy who played Alex was the guy from Coldplay. Which, all things considered, isn’t the worst possibility?

Anyway, the cast was all unknown to me, but everyone was believable and the chemistry seemed real. The character development is done so well in this film that I really feel for everyone. This is one of very few zombie films that can make me cry.

Ultimately it’s not about zombies but rather how we treat each other when we’re faced with a crisis. Sounds heavy handed, but it doesn’t feel that way. It’s a genuine social commentary using an interesting vehicle, and really well done.

It does get in a few scares here and there, but overall this is a great movie for those who might not otherwise like zombie films. Also, I’m not sure if there’s a plan for a sequel, but the ending did leave room for one. Unlike The Descent, which didn’t really need its sequel, this one has room for a sequel to improve on. I’d be curious to watch it, anyway.