When we look to European horror we tend to find a different style, often more violent and unrestrained from the typical Hollywood or British horror films it adds to the excitement. With What We Become though, a new zombie film from Denmark, is there anything really that different on offer?
When a strange virus hits a community, armed forces move in to quarantine the area. With food and water becoming scarce and sounds of gunfire, Gustav (Benjamin Engell) escapes his family home to try to find out some answers. What he finds is not only horrifying but puts him, his family, and his friends in danger.
One problem we have with zombie films is, what new can they offer? The very fact that they are based on the dead says a lot about the genre really. The fact is though zombies are a dependable type of horror which taps into our fear of the mob mentality, and of course flesh-eating killers.
What We Become is a zombie film that starts off slow, and does well to set up the outbreak of the virus well. Instead of rushing into the action, we see the quarantine, and then the inevitable mistakes leading to the outbreak of the zombies onto the streets. If there is one thing we learn from these movies, it is to stay at home and don’t go letting zombies out.
While there are creepy moments in What We Become, there isn’t much new to offer. Restricting the character’s view of what is happening to the outside world is an interesting move, as is restricting the audiences. We of course have seen it all before, so we understand what is going on, but the fact that we don’t see it explicitly does leave the chance of there being a twist. Though that doesn’t really happen.
While there may be a lack of freshness in What We Become, that doesn’t make the film bad, far from it. What is evident though is that there needs to be more to it. The zombie attacks in the third act lead to many deaths, but with the possibility of escape for some of the characters, there could be a sequel. The continuation of the story is where things may be a bit more interesting.
With What We Become, what the film does is create a strong foundation for a zombie movie, but feels like it never really reaches its full potential. The fact you are left wanting more is a good sign, though slightly disappointing when there was so much that could be done.
If you are looking for a zombie film though that is willing to be bloodthirsty (or flesh hungry?) in its kills, then this is a good one. There is a feel to the film that death is inevitable whatever happens, and maybe that is What We Become? That zombies are the next step in humanity, and we should give in to being devoured by it? (Holds back on the Trump rant).
While we don’t see much new in What We Become, what it does, it manages to do well. I’d be happy to see a sequel to this film to see the story continue, and that if anything shoes that the film in a success.
What We Become is available on DVD in the UK now.
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