Alive

Alive is a South Korean zombie film produced in 2019. Well-known South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in and South Korean-American actor Park Shin-hye share the lead. The movie's original Korean title is "Saraitda", which can be loosely translated as 'I am alive'. The film is directed by Cho Il-hyung, in his feature directorial debut, and the screenplay is written by Cho Il-hyung and Matt Naylor.

The movie's city setting and high-stakes survival elements have inspired comparisons with other notable films in the genre. But one of the unique elements Alive brings to the genre is the storyline focusing on isolation in the middle of a catastrophic event which mirrors some elements of the real world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yoo Ah-in of "Burning" plays the central character Jun-u, a carefree and somewhat lazy gamer who finds himself alone after a mysterious outbreak suddenly spreads throughout Seoul. Through heartbreaking phone calls, viewers quickly realize Jun-u's family has not been spared from the terror that's taken hold of the city. Trapped inside his family’s apartment without any contact with the outside world, he must rely on his gaming skills and the limited resources within his home to stay alive.

Park Shin-hye of "Doctors" and "The Heirs" fame, stars as Yubin, a similarly isolated survivor stranded in the same apartment complex, giving Jun-u a ray of hope and the motivation to carry on. Their shared experience of survival against all odds forms the crux of the storyline, as they stand against the faceless horror beyond their doors.

The narrative of Alive revolves around the experience of urban solitude. The terror and anticipation are heightened by the claustrophobic confines of the protagonist's apartment, the corridors and rooftops of his building, and the deadly unknown haunting the familiar cityscape beyond his windows. The absence of safe zones, the continuous dread, the ever-present unknown threat, and the feeling of being boxed in sets the tone for a thriller experience. The struggle for daily survival, supply runs gone wrong, navigating communication challenges in a world gone quiet add texture to the taut storyline.

Injecting fresh energy into the time-worn zombie movie genre, director Cho Il-hyung deftly layers an emotional sub-context under the gore and action. Themes of loneliness, isolation, the need for human connection and the will to survive add depth to the characters' meticulously designed arcs. The film's impressive special effects and makeup only serve to heighten the grotesque horror of the zombie apocalypse, and the audacious cinematography vividly brings to life the scenes of a desolate, disquieting cityscape.

Yoo Ah-in’s performance is lauded for his portrayal of a nillistic gamer turned survivor, his raw fear, his despair, and his resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Park Shin-hye delivers an equally compelling performance as the mysterious, resourceful and intelligent Yubin. Their performances bring sentiments of courage and despair, fear and hope to the forefront, eliciting empathy from the viewers.

With its themes of tenacity, resourcefulness, and resilience, along with an intriguing plot coupled with skillful performances by a talented cast, Alive vividly depicts humanity’s persistent struggle amidst survival odds. The movie stands out as a unique horror-drama-survival flick, all the more relevant and relatable in the time of global pandemics.

While 'Alive' is billed as a zombie flick, at its core, it's a telling human saga of survival and a testament to the indomitable human spirit in face of unspeakable odds. From a narrative standpoint, the movie successfully draws empathy and investment from viewers, who are led to question what they would do when faced with a similar situation. The suspenseful, edge-of-your seat thriller, packed with moments of high tension and emotional release, certainly promises to leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

Whether you're a fan of the survival horror genre or someone who's curious about the human condition when faced with an unthinkable disaster, Alive skillfully presents the might of human spirit and resilience under the most trying circumstances. Enjoy the thrill ride, brace for some heart-stopping moments, and be prepared to see the city of Seoul like never before!