I Am Toxic

I Am Toxic (Soy toxico) is a riveting Argentine post-apocalyptic movie, released in 2018, directed by Pablo Parés. The movie features remarkable performances from its primary cast that includes Esteban Prol, Horacio Fontova, and Sergio Podelei. From its eerie setting to its intriguing plot and notable performances, I Am Toxic crafts an immersive, brutal, yet intimate image of a dystopian future.

The movie opens with a gripping first scene featuring the protagonist, portrayed by Prol, waking up in a desolate wasteland, unsure of how he got there or why he's surrounded by dead bodies. He's in a state of amnesia, battered, bloody, and bruised with no recollections of his past. The haunting surroundings oscillate between the real and surreal, setting the stark tone for what's to come.

As the main character, Esteban Prol delivers a performance that is as multi-dimensional as the character he portrays. His character evolves as he endeavors to recall his past, all the while trying to understand and survive in the inhospitable environment he finds himself imprisoned in. Driven by survival instincts, Prol imbues his character with an aura of steely determination and grim despair, showcasing the depth of human endurance.

The character portrayed by veteran actor Horacio Fontova is practically the mirror opposite of Prol's character. In contrast, Fontova's character is more understanding of the desolate world they inhabit, almost representing a seasoned, hardened survivalist's point of view. On the other hand, Sergio Podelei embraces a more sinister role, adding a level of unpredictability to the plot.

I Am Toxic presents a world destroyed by a devastating bio-chemical catastrophe leading to an era where the undead, also known as "Dry Dead", rule the land. The barren landscapes, poisoned skies, and remnants of human civilization make for an eerie yet fascinating visual experience. This apocalypse is not a result of nuclear warfare or an alien invasion but a man-made catastrophe, introducing a sharp commentary on the destructive potential of humanity's own creations.

The film's bone-chilling atmosphere is achieved through excellent cinematography that effectively captures the desolation and terror of the setting. From wide shots of the apocalyptic wasteland to claustrophobic close-ups of the grotesque undead, it keeps the viewers on edge throughout. The makeup and visual effects, especially when depicting the zombies or the 'dry dead,' are commendable, adding a grim and disturbing sense of reality to the movie's bleak premise.

But I Am Toxic is not only about survival; it introspectively goes beyond presenting an exploration of human identity and the essence of existence. It forces viewers to think about who we truly are when stripped down to our most basic, surviving under constant threat and chaos. Struggling to remember his past, Prol's character embodies the internal struggle for identity, further underscored by his interactions with Fontova and Podelei's characters.

Undeniably, the movie contains scenes of brutal violence and gore, but it doesn't rely purely on shock value to attract its audience. The violence serves the narrative, reflecting the harsh reality of their world. Beyond the gore, the storyline subtly weaves in themes of love, loss, memory, and survival which elevates it from being more than just a run-of-the-mill post-apocalyptic drama.

I Am Toxic masterfully combines the elements of suspense, horror, and science fiction, backed by solid performances. It's not for the faint-hearted but will indisputably be a rewarding watch for fans of post-apocalyptic horror movies. It's a visceral and emotional journey that forces us to confront the question - when pushed to the brink, what does it mean to be human? Despite its bleak outlook, the movie contains an underlying thread of hope and resilience, making it a compelling exploration of the human spirit set against a grim post-apocalyptic backdrop.