Rating Star: 3.7
Anthology feature with short zombie films from around the world and focusing on survival in a zombie apocalypse.
Directors: Rickey Bird Jr.Kenneth KjeldsenAaron McCann
Writer: Jeremy HillAaron McCannStefan Androv Radanovich
Stars: Laurence R. HarveyMegan LockhurstGeorgina McGuigan
"Zombie Wars 2020" is a unique anthology of short zombie films from around the world that seeks to explore the harrowing and relentless struggle for survival in a world overrun by the undead. With three different directors at the helm and a talented ensemble cast, the film offers a variety of perspectives on the ever-popular zombie apocalypse genre. While it certainly has its moments of brilliance, it also stumbles in a few key areas, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
One of the standout features of "Zombie Wars 2020" is its diverse international approach to storytelling. Each segment takes place in a different country, offering fresh and culturally rich takes on the zombie apocalypse. The film kicks off with Rickey Bird Jr.'s segment, set in the United States, which sets a strong tone for the anthology. The story's characters are well-developed, and the tension is palpable as they navigate a zombie-infested wasteland.
Kenneth Kjeldsen's segment, which transports the audience to Europe, takes a more visually striking approach with its stark landscapes and moody cinematography. However, it struggles to maintain the same level of engagement as the first segment, largely due to a lack of character depth.
The final installment, directed by Aaron McCann, shifts the focus to Australia and introduces a quirky, comedic element that provides a refreshing change of pace. Laurence R. Harvey, known for his memorable role in "The Human Centipede," delivers a memorable performance, and Megan Lockhurst adds a touch of humor to the dire circumstances.
While the concept of an international anthology of zombie shorts is intriguing, the overall execution leaves something to be desired. The film's pacing can be uneven, with some segments feeling rushed and others dragging on. Additionally, the writing varies in quality across the different segments, leading to a lack of cohesion in the overall narrative.
The performances from the cast are generally solid, with Laurence R. Harvey being a standout, but the characters themselves often lack the depth needed to truly invest the audience in their survival stories.
On a positive note, "Zombie Wars 2020" does offer some impressive practical effects and makeup work, delivering gruesome and authentic-looking zombies that add to the horror and tension. The film's visual style, while inconsistent due to the multiple directors, does succeed in creating a bleak and desolate atmosphere that suits the genre well.
In conclusion, "Zombie Wars 2020" is a commendable attempt at breathing new life into the zombie apocalypse genre by showcasing a global perspective. While it has its moments of intrigue and delivers some genuinely chilling scenes, it falls short in terms of consistency, character development, and pacing. If you're a die-hard fan of the genre, you may find enough here to enjoy, but for more casual viewers, it might not fully satisfy your appetite for zombie mayhem.
