Survival of the Dead (2010) Movie Review: A Decaying Return to Romero’s Zombie World
Survival of the Dead is a 2010 zombie film directed by George A. Romero, renowned for his seminal work in the genre with Night of the Living Dead. As the fifth installment in Romero’s “Of the Dead” series, the film continues to explore his signature blend of horror and social commentary. Although it maintains the familiar elements of Romero’s style, it has received a range of responses from fans and critics.
Plot Summary
Set on a remote island off the coast of Delaware, Survival of the Dead follows a group of survivors struggling to cope with the zombie apocalypse. The film primarily focuses on two feuding families, the O’Flynn and the Muldoon clans, who have different approaches to handling the undead threat. The O’Flynn family believes that zombies can be rehabilitated and seeks to keep them alive, while the Muldoons advocate for their extermination.
As tensions between the two families escalate, the film explores themes of survival, morality, and the clash of ideologies. The survivors are faced with difficult decisions and confront the challenges of living in a world overrun by the undead.
Performances and Characters
Alan Van Sprang plays the role of Sgt. Nicotine Crocket, a member of the military unit who becomes entangled in the conflict between the two families. Van Sprang delivers a solid performance that captures the character’s determination and vulnerability in the face of the zombie threat.
Kenneth Welsh stars as the head of the O’Flynn family, Patrick O’Flynn. Welsh’s portrayal adds depth to the character’s complex motivations and his belief in the possibility of rehabilitating zombies.
Richard Fitzpatrick plays Seamus Muldoon, the head of the Muldoon family. Fitzpatrick brings a strong presence to the role, representing the pragmatic and often ruthless approach to surviving in a zombie-infested world.
The supporting cast includes Joris Jarsky, Cindy Sampson, and Sarah Linton, all contributing to the film’s narrative with their performances. While the characters are generally well-portrayed, some critics have noted that the film’s focus on the family feud can overshadow the development of individual characters.
Direction and Narrative
George A. Romero’s direction in Survival of the Dead continues to reflect his established style of blending horror with social commentary. The film maintains the slow-burn approach to zombie horror that Romero is known for, emphasizing the tension and fear of the apocalypse while exploring deeper societal themes.
The screenplay, written by Romero, focuses on the conflict between the two families and the moral dilemmas faced by the survivors. While the narrative provides a unique setting and premise, some critics have found it lacking in innovation compared to Romero’s earlier works. The film’s pacing and character development have been points of contention, with some feeling that the story occasionally drags or becomes repetitive.
Themes and Execution
Survival of the Dead continues Romero’s tradition of using zombies as a metaphor for broader social issues. The film examines themes of survival, morality, and the clash of ideologies in the context of a world overrun by the undead.
The exploration of these themes is both engaging and uneven. While the film provides a thought-provoking look at the different approaches to dealing with zombies, the execution of these themes can feel heavy-handed at times. The family feud aspect adds drama, but it can also detract from the overall impact of the zombie horror elements.
Visuals and Production
The film’s production design captures the isolated and desolate setting of the island, contributing to the film’s atmosphere. The practical effects and makeup for the zombies are in line with Romero’s traditional style, though some critics have noted that the visual effects can appear dated.
The cinematography, by Adam Swica, effectively conveys the bleak and grim environment of the zombie apocalypse. The score, composed by composer Norman Orenstein, enhances the film’s suspenseful moments and adds to the overall atmosphere.
Streaming Availability
For those interested in watching Survival of the Dead, the film is available on various streaming platforms. In the United States, it can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, and Amazon Video.
Conclusion
Survival of the Dead is a continuation of George A. Romero’s iconic zombie series, offering a blend of horror and social commentary. With a focus on the conflict between two families and their differing approaches to the zombie apocalypse, the film provides a unique perspective within the genre. While it maintains some of Romero’s signature elements, it has received mixed reviews for its execution and pacing.
For fans of Romero’s work and zombie enthusiasts, Survival of the Dead offers an opportunity to revisit the director’s world of undead horror. Its availability on streaming platforms makes it accessible for those looking to experience this installment in the “Of the Dead” series.
