★★★☆☆
Fast forward the timeline of a typical zombie production and The ReZort comes along as an intriguing premise to begin a film with. Intentionally spelt with a Z, the luxurious island retreat allows paying guests the freedom to shoot as many zombies as they wish. Think of it as Jurassic Park with roaming zombies instead of dinosaurs.
Yes, this is set right after humanity wins the war against the undead caused by a certain biohazard outbreak. A determined entrepreneur steps in to convert an island full of flesh-devouring monsters into a business. The marketing relies heavily on mankind’s hatred against the zombies that have drastically reduced the global population by some two billion people.
“Every apocalypse deserves an after-party”, triumph over adversary in a battle of survival brings extreme pleasure and satisfaction. There are not many films that depict a post-apocalypse where mankind prevails. Celebration should however not cross certain boundaries – an act that speaks poorly of humanity.
Chaining up zombies and inflicting acts of cruelty upon them is pitched as a form of post-traumatic treatment and stress relief. Melanie (Jessica De Gouw) has witnessed the first-hand demise of her family and remains wary of the flesh-eaters. Her boyfriend (Martin McCann) tries to convince her into shooting them at The ReZort to help her move on.
Scenes of zombies subjected to ill treatment do subtly implore the audience to feel sorry for them – even though they aren’t human. If shooting them for fun isn’t bad enough, scenes of guests peeing at them and taunting them further reveals more. This reflects a sadistic side to mankind where a question then appears – are we losing the very traits of humanity in a fight against the undead?
An involving performance by De Gouw invites all to take interest through her perspective in the film. Emotions and expressions from the actress suggest that there’s so much more to find out about her character and tragic history. If only more of the same could be seen in the other supporting characters.
The onscreen characters soon begin to ponder about the sustainability of the new business when people are killing zombies with automatic rifles. Farming of the undead does take place conveniently with a refugee camp situated right next to The ReZort. There is an intended reference to the European migrant crisis that is actually plaguing EU in the real world. Are they seen as lowlifes like how The ReZort is treating them as convenient subjects to turn into zombies?
Introducing a cyber security attack triggers a panic reaction from the audience. Technology can aid or destroy mankind. The willful desire of controlling zombies with advanced technology is only going to backfire.
The ReZort reminds us to never lose ourselves even when we are losing the odds of survival.
It is heartening to see filmmaker Steve Barker addressing these issues in a genre film that looks beyond its scares and kills. The ReZort reminds us to never lose ourselves even when we are losing the odds of survival.
Also published on InCinemas.sg
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