When you think of zombies, you think of brain-eating creatures that have come back from the dead. They can't think, they can't speak, and all they want is to eat you. It is usually spread by a highly contagious virus and someone can become a zombie from one bite, and sometimes a simple scratch.
The word zombie comes from West African folklore of Haitian origin. During the 17th and 18th century when Haiti was colonized by the French, slaves were forced to work on sugar plantations and were often worked until they died. Haitian slaves believed that in death, they would be able to go back to lan guinée, or Africa, where they would be free. However, if they died by suicide and became a zombie, they would be unable to go back and would instead become undead slaves that were trapped there forever. After 1904 and the Haitian Revolution, zombies became a more widespread belief in the Voodoo religion where zombies were reanimated by bokor and used to do their bidding (1). In it's history, we cannot ignore the origins of zombie and their connection to slavery, although in modern day media, it is widely whitewashed but still reflect the fear of losing control over your own body and mind.
Now, there are plenty of movies and TV shows that explore zombies, some more successfully and creatively than others. A common theme, however, is that the people depicted aren't familiar with the cultural phenomenon that is zombies. One of the most popular works of fiction, is The Walking Dead. The creator, Robert Kirkman, has explained that in this world, zombies don't exist in fiction, so they are unfamiliar with what zombies are. This leads to widespread panic and allowed the creatures (deemed walkers and handful of other names) to take over. What is interesting and rather unique about The Walking Dead world, is that it doesn't just take a bite or a scratch to turn into a zombie. It is shown that every person, no matter how they die, becomes a zombie until they have their brain destroyed. This plays into the fear of knowing you can't escape even if you leave areas where zombies' are rampant, or in Fear the Walking Dead's case, even the middle of the ocean.
This show not only depicts zombies as the enemy, but fellow humans. Kirkman created some truly memorable villain's that feed into humanities worst traits. Greed, aggression, impulsivity, need for control. This world allows humans to create their own rules and the people who survived to lead were often sociopaths and people who rule with fear. Yes, there are some nicer leaders, such as Ezekiel, Maggie, and Rick, but even the heroes have moments of brutality and poor judgement. Humans in many zombie movies and shows are seen time and time again to only seek their own self interest and therefore are willing to sacrifice anyone at their expense.
In the movie 28 Days Later, there is a zombie virus spread from a rescued chimpanzee leaves a handful of humans that have banded together brought to what they were told is safety. In this post-apocalyptic world, the zombies are known as 'The Infected' and attack humans with uncontrollable rage. These zombies are fast and coordinated. What makes this film unique is that it depicts humanity and the infected as more alike than different. You simply cannot trust other humans, which is shown when the main group is told they will be safe but find they have been tricked into giving up their safety. In order to repopulate the earth, women are taken and forced into sexual slavery and anyone who resists is killed violently and without remorse. 28 Days Later had a mass resurgence during the early days of the covid-19 pandemic and shows that teamwork doesn't always make the dream work (2). The mere brutality's of humans in this world also shows that, although people in charge may seem trusting and like the best people to follow, that they are often hiding the real danger.
One of the more unique zombie shows that I have seen in quite some time is the South Korean show All of Us Are Dead. While most zombie media follows a group of adults trying to survive, this focuses on a group of high school students trapped inside their school where the virus originated. The virus, in this case, was created by a teacher who was only trying to make his son stronger so he wouldn't get bullied. What makes this show different, is that it is set in our world. Zombie fiction exists so these students know how to kill them. They also know how it is spread and quickly recognize that once someone is bitten, they must also be killed. It also gives a first hand experience of what it is like to transform into a zombie by placing the camera inside the head of bitten students. Red vision, racing heart, dulled hearing, laser-like focus on the blood of classmates. Like other shows that came before, it shows how greed and self interest only gets you so far before the group will turn on you. At one point, a student who is suspected to have purposefully infected another, is forced into the hallway to fend for herself. There are some brilliantly choreographed scenes, particularly in the cafeteria and library, that make this show very enjoyable. Anther unique bit is that it shows the virus mutating. It is rather poignant in today's society as well.
All of Us Are Dead also touches on some real life issues, such as racism, classism, bullying, and the differences in societies around the world. In one rather heartbreaking scene, after the students realize they have been abandoned, they speak about how no one cares to save them because of their age. Much of Western Media depicts rather racism views on Asian society. After a real-life disaster (MV Sewol Ferry Disaster) where the ferry capsized leading to the death of 250 high school students, American news reported that this was "death by obedience" because Asian cultures requires bowing to authority rather than individual needs (3). This show turns that racist stereotype on it's head and shows these students come up with rather ingenious ways to survive and protect each other. It is the opposite of 28 Days Later because in this world, it is better to band together. Even though the zombies in All of Us Are Dead are incredibly fast and terrifying, teamwork, in this case, is the best way to survive.
This show doesn't shy away from the brutality of zombie attacks, but it does give a hopeful look at humanity. In what may be one of the more optimistic takes, it shows these teenagers with more respect and bravery than the adults. The people in charge give into fear while the main characters show compassion and are willing to sacrifice to let their friends survive. Near the end of the series there are multiple moments that brought tears to my eyes. I am glad there is a second season coming. As someone that has grown tired of the repetitive nature and predictability of shows like The Walking Dead, this Korean thriller definitely brought something new and refreshing to the already crowded zombie scene.
References:
1. Wilentz, A. (2012). "A Zombie is a Slave Forever". The New York Times. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
2. Cavanaugh, G. (2017). "How 28 Days Later Teaches Us When to Go Solo Rather than Form Teams". Medium.com. Retreived July 6, 2022.
3. Kim, J.M. (2022). "How 'All of Use Are Dead' Uses a Zombie Attack to Examine Korean & Global Issues". TeenVogue.com. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
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