The Cured

The Cured is a 2017 horror, drama, and science fiction movie that delivers an engaging reclaimed humanity storyline with a provocative backdrop. Renowned actors like Elliot Page, Sam Keeley, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor have rendered remarkable performances that contribute to the immersive viewing experience the film provides.

The film ingeniously combines horror and tragedy, posing not only as a cinematic thrill ride but also a profound social commentary. Directed and written by David Freyne in his feature debut, The Cured focuses on a world that struggles to return to normalcy after a devastating virus outbreak that turned the infected people into zombie-like beings. The premise spins around the concept of a cure finally being found, yet society grapples to accept the cured individuals back into their daily lives.

The Cured revolves around Senan, played by Sam Keeley, who is among the once-infected individuals or 'the cured.' After being cured of the devastating virus, he is reintegrated into society with the burden of the horrendous deeds he committed while being infected. He finds shelter in his American sister-in-law, Abbie's (Elliot Page) home who is dealing with her demons - the loss of her husband in the same outbreak.

While Senan is struggling to reconnect with his past and remorse over his actions during the infection, Abbie is attempting to protect her young son while securing a livelihood as a journalist. Their personal journeys reflect upon the struggle to regain normalcy amidst post-zombified society. On the other hand, Conor, played by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, another cured individual, reacts differently to his societal alienation, thus introducing a polarized perspective to the dilemma.

The movie stands out for its unique take on the zombie lore. It's not just about the horror that comes from the terrifying nature of the infected but also about contemplating the societal and moral implications of such an outbreak and its aftermath. The Cured peels back the layers of the classic zombie narrative and infuses it with elements of psychological horror, societal distress, and profound human drama. The fear in this film is not so much about the blood-thirsty infected but the horror of guilt, rejection, and the struggle for acceptance.

Freyne utilizes the zombie premise as a metaphor for social ostracization and fear of otherness, making it a poignant social allegory apart from being a gripping horror film. The narrative structure is designed to induce tension, fear, sympathy, and contemplation simultaneously, making the audience deeply engaged in the unfolding plot.

Visually, The Cured employs a desaturated color palette that effectively complements the remorseful and desolate landscape of the post-infection society. The cinematography and production design successfully create an atmosphere of dread and melancholia, while the performances of the lead actors lend the film an authentic, emotional core.

The film further makes use of textural sound design and a haunting score that build on the suspense while accentuating the overall quandaries the characters go through. The movie combines the fearful uncertainty of traditional horror with the emotional resonance of a personal drama to bring an effective and memorable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, The Cured provides a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic genre. It explores a narrative filled with horror, pain, guilt, and survival wrapped in a unique premise of cured zombie individuals trying to fit back into society. It merges unsettling scare techniques with an introspective look at societal dynamics in the face of an unprecedented crisis, making it an intriguing watch. With a strong storyline, powerful performances, and a profound social message, 'The Cured' offers a fresh take on the overdone zombie genre, making it a must-watch for fans of horror and social drama likewise.