RISE OF THE ZOMBIE

RISE OF THE ZOMBIE is an enthralling and suspenseful 2013 horror-thriller that explores the eerie and chilling theme of zombies in an Indian rural backdrop with an exquisite mix of love, passion, fear, and survival. Directed by Devaki Singh and Luke Kenny, this thrilling film features a stellar cast, including Luke Kenny himself, Kirti Kulhari, Ashwin Mushran among others.

The movie follows the story of Neil Parker (Luke Kenny), a passionate wildlife photographer who prefers the wild's solitude and tranquility to the hustle and bustle of city life. Neil is so deeply engrossed and intertwined with his profession, that it creates a rift between his personal and professional life. His obsessive dedication not only leads to the breakdown of his relationship with his girlfriend Vinny (Kirti Kulhari), but also begins to disrupt his own sanity.

Concerned about Neil's increasingly abnormal behavior, Vinny decided to leave him, leading Neil to isolate himself further into the deep wilderness. The comfort he finds in isolation, turns into horrifying ordeal once he realises that he is not alone in the wilderness. Neil begins experiencing strange occurrences and physical changes, oblivious of the dark transformation that he is on the brink of.

The premise of RISE OF THE ZOMBIE is chillingly unique, in that it doesn’t jump straight into the zombie-infested suspense and horror that has become a standard stereotype of zombie movies. Instead, the directors take us through a slow journey delving deep into the life and personality of Neil Parker, his passion for wildlife photography and his failed romantic relationship. These aspects make the viewers connect with the character much before the horror kicks in.

The film does a chilling job of showcasing Neil's transformation into a creature with an insatiable hunger, portraying it as an underlying horror that slowly builds up thus maintaining a constant eerie throughout. The theatre and dramatic training of Luke Kenny comes to the fore as he does an incredible job of showcasing a range of emotions: from a passionate wildlife photographer, to a grieving boyfriend, and finally into a horrifying zombie.

Kirti Kulhari delivers a competent performance as Vinny, the concerned girlfriend trying hard to understand and cope with Neil's increasingly erratic behavior. Her ably portrayed conflicted emotions makes the relationship dynamic with Neil believable and realistic. Ashwin Mushran's cameo adds an interesting dimension to the story without which the narrative would have probably felt incomplete.

The spectacular rural backdrop of Indian countryside takes center stage as it sets the perfect milieu for the creepy and unsettling story to unfold. The eerie rustling of the leaves, calls of the wild creatures, and the silent, empty wilderness, further augments the melancholic, creepy ambiance that is integral to the narrative.

However, for a country where the concept of zombie movies is still fairly nascent, embracing RISE OF THE ZOMBIE may require a certain appetite for the bizarre and strange. Despite its unconventional plot and uncanny storyline, the movie makes an attempt to redefine the horror/thriller genre in the Indian cinema by introducing the chilling concept of zombies in a refreshing and unique manner.

The cinematography and sound design of the film are worth mentioning, as they blend seamlessly into the story’s fabric, enhancing the foreboding environment, the scary moments, and the bizarre transformation sequences. The attention to detail adds credence to the visual effects, which are on par with the international standards.

RISE OF THE ZOMBIE stands out as it deviates from traditional Indian cinema, and delves deep into a genre that is bizarre, yet intriguing. This horror-thriller isn’t just about scares and frights, but also about human emotions, passions, and the dark, scary transformation one undergoes when isolated to the brink of insanity. The brilliant performances, unique storyline, unnerving horror elements, and the slow-burn narrative of this film, ensure a thrilling, spine-chilling cinematic experience. It's a must-watch for those interested in horror films that breaks the typical stereotypes associated with this genre.