Exit Humanity

Exit Humanity is a 2011 film demonstrating Mackenzie's labor of love in handling and blending the cinematic styles of a historical drama and horror saga. It boldly combines the Civil War's emotional brutality with the harsh, haunting dread of a zombie apocalypse. Directed by John Geddes, Exit Humanity is one of those rare films whose narratives are as compelling as its action-packed sequences, a testament to its beautifully well-woven tale.

In the leading role is Mark Gibson, who skillfully portrays Edward Young, the protagonist with an incredible depth of character. Edward is a Civil War veteran who overcame unimaginable horrors only to return home to a world ravaged by a different kind of conflict. The war's end did not bring peace but rather gave birth to a savage new nightmare, where the dead do not remain resting. In the backdrop of post-Civil War Tennessee, Edward finds himself trapped in a world where his fellow men have turned into monstrous undead creatures.

What sets Exit Humanity apart is its fascinating narrative style. The film employs a diary-style storytelling format to share Edward's experiences, adding a layer of raw realism to the grotesque fiction. It superbly merges past and present, reality and supernatural, faced by the protagonist, which is made even more affecting by the voiceover of Brian Cox, who provides a poignant narration as an older Edward.

Dee Wallace also stars in the film, playing Eve, a character whose life intersects with Edward's in unexpected ways. Wallace brings her classic style and grace to the character of Eve, adding a fascinating dynamic to the storyline. A remarkably enduring presence in the horror genre, Wallace adds a unique aspect to the story with her performance, complementing both Gibson's and Cox's contributions flawlessly.

Exit Humanity's real triumph, however, lies in its execution of the zombie premise. Unlike typical zombie thrillers that bank heavily on cheap scares, this film delves into the origin of the undead, tying it to folklore beliefs and other mystical aspects. This innovative take on zombie mythos gives the film a refreshing edge and adds depth to the otherwise monstrous creatures.

Some might perceive Exit Humanity as a harsh, daunting watch considering its bloody and bleak ambiance, but the presentation and narrative soften those edges just enough to make it powerful and captivating. The film steers away from the stylized gore and violence traditionally found in horror movies and instead uses these aspects to underline the narrative's gravitas. The horror scenes are skillfully crafted and help capture the fears of the unknown that constantly taunt the characters.

The cinematography of the film deserves ample praise. The scenic landscape snapshots juxtaposed with gruesome images of a world descending into chaos are a haunting testament to the turmoil the characters are navigating through. While the narrative occupies a dark space, the cinematography amplifies the impact the events have on the characters on a visual level.

Exit Humanity also brings depth through its exploration of the human condition. It encapsulates themes of survival, resilience, and loss in the face of adversity successfully. In a constant shuffle between hope and despair, Edward's personal journey and struggle anchor the narrative and create a human connection that resonates with the audiences beyond the scares and thrills.

Additionally, the film successfully uses the sociopolitical commentary of the Civil War period to mirror the zombie horror, asking serious questions about humanity, morality, and societal norms in times of crisis.

No doubt, Exit Humanity is a genre-bender that respectfully pays homage to its roots while leaving its unique footprint. It's an emotionally engaging historical drama as much as it is a suspenseful horror film, making it a must-watch for fans from either genre. Surely, this film raises the bar for storytelling, character development, and visual appeal, even within the often dismissed horror and zombie narrative space.