#Alive: Worth a Watch?

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Netflix’s zombie game has historically been pretty strong, with Cargo and Ravenous both standout entries in a sometimes tired subgenre. Buzzy new Korean movie #Alive looks set to continue the trend – but is it worth a watch?

In a nutshell: Layabout twenty-something Joon-woo (Ah-In Yoo) is left home alone in his parents’ apartment when the zombie apocalypse kicks off outside his window. Lacking in both groceries and basic life skills, does Joon-woo have what it takes to stay alive?

This is a spoiler-free zone.

#Alive's hits


  • This is the most relatable zombie film I’ve seen in a long time. Rather than the hardened and resourceful survivors we’ve grown used to, Joon-woo is too scared to leave his apartment and initially just goes back to his online gaming to pass the time.
  • The movie has the patience to flesh out its characters, with most of the film focusing on Joon-woo’s attempts to keep despair at bay. That said, it’s not afraid to get its hands dirty with some nerve-jangling set pieces.
  • I enjoyed the emphasis on up-to-date tech. Joon-woo's drone comes in pretty handy, but he suffers a major setback when he realises all his headphones are wireless. It's one way of introducing plot developments you don't get in Dawn of the Dead.

#Alive's misses


  • The zombies themselves offer nothing particularly new – they’re the bloodied, squawking hordes that became the default ever since 28 Days Later. Purists will argue they’re not even zombies since they have a viral infection and aren’t actually dead.
  • The narrative falls back on the regular story beats of a zombie apocalypse story a little too easily. There’s a development in the third act we’ve seen millions of times before.
  • The film isn’t all that ambitious with its single setting and limited cast of characters. Though doubtless an entertaining watch, it doesn’t add anything new to the subgenre in the same way as Cargo or Ravenous.
#Alive is available to stream on Netflix.

Still looking for something to watch? Why not check out more of the Worth a Watch? series.

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