Written by Lonne Pingleton
With the many recent releases of zombie films and television programs, smaller and possible “gems” have to work in overload to stay ahead with the rest of the herd if they hope to have any chance of being memorable. After viewing Survivors, the latest film from co-writer/director Adam J. Spinks, it’s clear that the ingredient to make this film stand out is going to be story, story, story and some possible character development.
If you’re a diehard fan of the undead that is only going for a all-out gore fest, full of Tom Savini-like splatter, I really could not recommend this film for you. If you are the kind of fan who goes in wanting zombies, but also enjoys getting a little more out of your viewing experience, then I would say this film is absoluetly worth your time.
Our story mostly centers around Kate, played by Joanne Gale and Paul, played by David Anderson. Oh and Duke, played by Simon Burbage. Kate wakes up one morning, asleep in a car, when she comes across Paul, who is drifting and looking for supplies. Through a series of flashback sections, we learn that Kate is a journalist and Duke is her cameraman. They are at work trying to expose the Medea corporation, which has been working with dangerous chemicals and drugs and is chiefly responsible for a number of disappearances. Upon meeting a whistle blower on the inside, they are given information on what Medea has been doing all along.
Kate and Duke are trying to make it back home but are cut off by military personnel telling them they are in a quarantined area. A virus has been unleashed and they can’t leave. After coming across Paul, who we learn is actually working for Medea, the two embark on an adventure to find Duke. No promises, but Paul may have other intentions with Kate.
This British film has many things going for it. The acting is on point, with Gale giving a wonderful performance as Kate. Her character is a reporter, but it is so refreshing that she isn’t the cynical reporter that we’ve seen in film after film. She’s not the single-minded reporter who just wants to get her story out, caring less for who may go down in the process. Kate is a real human being, with real feelings. She sees someone is hurt and she tries to help them. Even if there are no safety nets. Burbage is quite likable as Duke. He gives Kate a little razzing from time to time but there is definite chemistry and connection between these two. The banter between them in some of the scenes really does add much-needed levity to the story.
Paul is an absolutely fascinating character, even though his mission is to just snag Kate and bring her to Medea. He is trying to deal with a world gone mad, as well as internal conflicts. He is the most conflicted character in the piece and it is interesting to see the evolution of him and what he’s going to do next.
Although not centered around tons of gore, there are some neat practical effects going on. It is an adventure story that happens to follow around two interesting people during the zombie apocalypse. There are some scenes of genuine suspense and tension, as well. As many zombie films and programs as there are out there, I would say this is definitely one of the more interesting entries, so you’ll definitely want to check this out!
Released both in the UK and the United States, so be on the lookout!
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