Colin

Colin, released in 2008, is a British zombie horror film that was directed by Marc Price. The movie takes a unique approach to the traditional zombie genre by humanizing the typically dehumanized character, the zombie. The filmmaker has emphasized not only on the physical, but also emotional aspects of being a zombie. The eponymous character, Colin (played by Alastair Kirton), is the main focus of the movie and our window to this grisly world.

The film is distinct for its narrative, presenting the tale entirely from the perspective of Colin, challenging audience notions of hero and antagonist. The movie doesn't feature a stereotypical hero tasked to annihilate the zombie plague or survivors rushing for a safe haven. Instead, Colin at the centre of the narrative brings an innovative angle, crafting a unique emotional experience for the viewers. Ian Clark and Daisy Aitkens also star, adding more characters to this intriguing tale.

Alastair Kirton's performance as Colin is particularly compelling. He portrays a range of emotions that provides a rare depth to his character and this subsequently commands our sympathy. Despite transformed into a zombie, his remnant human expressions, particularly his vulnerability and bewilderment, are finely captured by Kirton. Daisy Aitkens, who plays the role of Linda, brings in further emotional complexity into the narrative. Her interactions with Colin enhances the sense of pathos running through the story, amplifying the human tragedy and fear associated with the unfolding disaster.

Following Colin's transformation, his zombie condition is depicted in harrowing detail. The writer cleverly inserts a series of flashbacks, underscoring Colin's backstory and the circumstances leading to his transformation. Sometimes, while staggering through the streets and homes, Colin even seems to show glimpses of recognizing his past life. This gives a poignant edge to the storytelling, adding further dimensions to Colin's character and challenging viewers to sympathize with a typically monstrous entity.

The distinctive approach to characterization extends to other people and zombies Colin encounters along his journey. Each character is fleshed out enough to deliver a strong emotional punch, without detracting from Colin's narrative. Leanne Pammen, playing the character of False Teeth Zombie, is another standout in engaging the audience through her nuanced portrayal.

The filmmaking of Colin deserves appreciation for its innovative techniques. Filmed on a remarkably low budget, the film employs strong cinematography to enhance its storyline, with a gritty realism that speaks volumes about the anarchy that has overrun the city. The techniques used add a harsh, raw quality which blends seamlessly with the grim and scary tone of the plot. Moreover, the movie is not just a visual but also an auditory treat. The background score nicely complements the onscreen drama, ramping up the intensity during disturbing sequences.

Colin is marked by an abundance of gore and violence, as one might expect from a zombie film. But, unlike conventional horror films, it doesn't use these elements just for eliciting scares, using them instead to underline the horror of the catastrophe that has befallen humanity. This association elevates the film from the realm of typical horror to a thought-provoking exploration of the zombie condition.

Illuminating a new vantage point on the zombie genre, Colin has gained attention more for its unique narrative perspective and emotional depth rather than classic horror thrills. The film intersects horror, drama and emotional narrative arcs to deliver a compelling viewing experience. It gives a fresh spin to a well-tread genre and places it squarely in the realm of character-driven horror.

Ideal for horror fans looking for something beyond the conventional, Colin upholds the zombie genre's tradition of social commentary while infusing it with refreshing character depth, making it a noteworthy entry in modern horror cinema. Despite its budgetary constraints, or perhaps because of them, Colin represents the innovative spirit of independent filmmaking, proving that a compelling story and well-crafted character arcs can triumph over financial limitations. Throughout the movie, Alastair Kirton's credible portrayal of Colin, the complexity of his character and the human emotions portrayed make a distinct and unmatched mark. With an influential narrative and distinct perspective, the movie Colin is a must-watch for those seeking a novel and introspective take on the zombie apocalypse.