Zombies Have Fallen ( 2017 )

Zombies Have Fallen (2017): A Detailed Analysis

Zombies Have Fallen, a 2017 release, entered the crowded zombie film genre with its own distinct flavor, attempting to blend action, horror, and elements of political satire. While it may not have achieved blockbuster status or garnered widespread critical acclaim, the film offers a unique, if somewhat uneven, contribution to the ever-expanding zombie mythology. This article delves into the film's plot, characters, themes, production aspects, and overall reception, offering a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Plot Summary

The film is set in a near-future America ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. The story centers around a group of survivors barricaded in a fortified compound, struggling to maintain order and resources while fending off relentless hordes of the undead. The narrative quickly introduces a corrupt and inept political leader, President Edwards, who holed up in a secure bunker, appears more concerned with maintaining his power than aiding the struggling populace. He issues increasingly absurd and detached pronouncements, further fueling the sense of societal breakdown.

Within the compound, tensions are high. Led by the pragmatic and hardened former military officer, Sergeant Miller, the group attempts to establish a sustainable way of life. However, internal conflicts arise, fueled by dwindling supplies, differing ideologies, and the constant threat of betrayal. A key subplot involves a scientist, Dr. Chen, who believes she is close to finding a cure for the zombie virus. Her research becomes both a beacon of hope and a source of conflict, as some within the group question the ethics of her methods and the potential consequences of her success.

President Edwards, growing increasingly paranoid and detached from reality, decides to implement a drastic solution to the zombie problem: launching a series of nuclear strikes on infected areas. This plan, vehemently opposed by Sergeant Miller and a growing number of his followers, forms the central conflict of the film's latter half. Miller, seeing the president's actions as a betrayal of the American people, decides to take matters into his own hands. He assembles a team to infiltrate the president's bunker and prevent the nuclear strikes from being launched.

The film culminates in a showdown between Miller's team and the president's security forces, while the zombies continue to mass outside. Dr. Chen's research reaches a critical stage, offering a possible solution to the crisis, but its implementation is fraught with danger. The ending leaves the audience with a sense of ambiguous hope, suggesting that while the zombie threat may not be entirely eradicated, the surviving humans have a chance to rebuild, albeit in a drastically altered world.

Characters

The characters in Zombies Have Fallen, while somewhat archetypal, serve to explore different facets of human behavior in the face of societal collapse. They represent varying ideologies, motivations, and survival strategies.

Themes

Zombies Have Fallen explores several prominent themes, often seen in zombie films, but with its own particular emphasis.

• The Breakdown of Societal Order: The film vividly portrays the disintegration of social structures and institutions in the face of the zombie apocalypse. The rule of law crumbles, and individuals are forced to rely on their own instincts and resources.
• The Abuse of Power: President Edwards represents the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for corruption in times of crisis. His decisions are driven by self-preservation and a disregard for the well-being of the people he is supposed to serve.
• Hope vs. Despair: The film presents a constant tension between hope and despair. Dr. Chen's research offers a glimmer of hope for a cure, while the overwhelming zombie threat and the President's destructive plan threaten to extinguish any possibility of a positive outcome.
• Humanity in Crisis: The characters' actions and decisions reveal the complexities of human nature when faced with extreme circumstances. Some exhibit compassion and selflessness, while others succumb to fear and paranoia.
• The Cost of Survival: The film explores the difficult choices that individuals must make in order to survive. These choices often involve moral compromises and the sacrifice of others.

Production Aspects

Analyzing the production aspects of Zombies Have Fallen provides insight into its overall execution and impact.

Reception

Zombies Have Fallen received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics generally praised the film's ambition and its attempts to incorporate political commentary into the zombie genre. However, many also criticized the film's uneven pacing, predictable plot points, and somewhat underdeveloped characters.

The film's box office performance was modest, failing to achieve widespread commercial success. However, it has gained a cult following among fans of low-budget horror and zombie films, who appreciate its unique approach and its willingness to tackle complex themes.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Zombies Have Fallen has both notable strengths and weaknesses that contribute to its overall impact.

Strengths:

• Unique Premise: The blend of zombie horror and political satire is a refreshing departure from more conventional zombie films.
• Thematic Depth: The film explores complex themes such as the abuse of power, the breakdown of societal order, and the cost of survival.
• Decent Special Effects: The zombie makeup and gore effects are well-executed, contributing to the film's overall sense of realism.
• Engaging Action Sequences: The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, providing a good balance to the film's more introspective moments.

Weaknesses:

• Uneven Pacing: The film's pacing is inconsistent, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed.
• Predictable Plot Points: The plot contains several familiar zombie tropes, which can make it feel predictable at times.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Some of the characters are not fully developed, making it difficult to connect with them emotionally.
• Inconsistent Tone: The film sometimes struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in an inconsistent tone.

Overall Assessment

Zombies Have Fallen is a flawed but ultimately interesting entry into the zombie film genre. While it may not reach the heights of some of its more acclaimed predecessors, it offers a unique perspective on the zombie apocalypse, exploring themes of political corruption, societal collapse, and the resilience of the human spirit. Its blend of horror, action, and satire, while not always perfectly executed, makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre looking for something a little different. The film's flaws are forgivable given its ambition and its willingness to tackle complex and relevant themes. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope, however fragile, can still endure.

Conclusion

While Zombies Have Fallen may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it offers a thought-provoking and entertaining experience for fans of the zombie genre. Its exploration of relevant social and political issues, combined with its engaging action sequences and decent special effects, makes it a film worth considering, even with its notable flaws. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend familiar zombie tropes with a unique and satirical perspective on the potential for societal breakdown and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.