Review: Netflix '#Alive' Adds Isolation to the Zombie Outbreak

A new Korean zombie horror, #Alive just hit Netflix earlier this week. The film centers around Oh Joon-Woo (Ah-In Yoo) a 20-something gamer stuck in his apartment as an outbreak occurs around him. While there is a somewhat functioning society in the city, he is stuck inside and is running out of supplies to survive.

During a moment of weakness, he discovers Kim Yoo-Bin (Shin-Hye Park) who is also stuck, alone, in the apartment across the complex. The two begin to communicate and bond. With supplies running thin and nowhere to go the pair decide to join forces and check the upper floors for supplies. What they find is a lot more than they bargained for.

This film is filled with heart, humanity, hope … and zombies. #Alive starts out like any typical zombie film, with the breakdown of society as the outbreak occurs and spreads. Even though the outbreak continues to hit his area, things are still working. Electricity, water are both still running and, there is even news broadcasts on TV. Luckily they also still have internet access, to use social media and upload videos of the world around them.

At first this is his only outlet to the world, as his family was away with no way to reach them. As time goes on and his mental status deteriorates Kim Yoo-Bin enters as a lifeline. Once the pair team up they face increased dangers as the zombies have multiplied and their resources dwindling. But the two are determined to face the swarm together for any chance at survival.

#Alive starts off a little slow and the viewer is left to ponder some of the rules in this zombie outbreak. Other rules are established for us, like the dead being left with enough cognitive ability to perform some aspects of their lives. Once the action really gets going viewers are drawn in and root for these survivors.

As the story goes on, the final act is filled with twists and deaths that you don’t see coming. #Alive is your typical zombie film, but adds some interesting elements of its own to an undead outbreak. There are moments that horror fans will make sure to add to their own list of zombie survival plans. The real beauty of this film is the use of technology in a way that really hasn’t been seen in zombie films yet. Again, just like with most zombie horror, the film is more about people’s humanity than the dead.

The third act alone is filled with emotions, and you will think this film has ended at least a few times. Every time a new obstacle is added the viewer is left in limbo to wonder how and if the duo will survive this time. While most of the zombie cliches still exists within this film, #Alive provides its viewers with enough gore, humor and heart to make this film a good time. 3.5/5

You can check out the trailer for #Alive directed by Il Cho below and the film is now streaming on Netflix. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for more of all things horror.