The Rezort

The Rezort, released in 2015, is a thrilling horror movie directed by Steve Barker and stars Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, Martin McCann among others. The film draws together elements of horror, science fiction, and action to create a gripping narrative that is sure to leave the audience at the edge of their seats. The blend of intricate storytelling, unique characters, and inventive settings takes zombie flicks to a whole new level, in a manner that blends elements of traditional zombie horror and social commentary.

Set in the aftermath of a devastating global zombie apocalypse, the human race seems to have won the gruesome war against the undead. With the world gradually moving on from the traumatising events, humankind finds an unconventional way to cope with the undead remnants. Brilliantly, the film explores the idea of a utopian island resort, The Rezort, where wealthy vacationers can hunt these zombies in a controlled environment, using it as a therapeutic workshop for those coping with post-apocalyptic stress disorder.

Scott plays the role of Archer, a no-nonsense military figure, alongside De Gouw's character Melanie, a troubled young woman dealing with the emotional trauma of losing her father in the zombie war. These two, along with a motley crew of other individuals each with their diverse backgrounds and motives, embark on a zombie hunting trip to The Rezort, looking forward to a fun-filled cathartic experience or an adrenaline-inducing adventure.

However, as it always goes in the settings of chaos, things do not follow as planned. A security breach occurs at The Rezort, leading to an uncontrollable uprising of the undead population. The safe therapeutic hunting zone quickly turns into a terrifying and ghastly nightmare, as the hunters become the hunted. The film captures the panic and horror as the vacationers realise they are trapped in a remote island with hordes of undead threatening to wipe them out.

The film analysis explores several underlying themes beneath the core narrative, including the ethics of exploiting tormented creatures for amusement, classism, and the brutal realities of capitalist society that become conspicuously apparent in the face of disaster. The Rezort depicts a picture of how the rich and the affluent exploit disasters for personal benefits, driving home a powerful critique of societal moral bankruptcy.

What sets The Rezort apart from other zombie movies is its ability to present a fresh perspective on the zombie-horror genre that is simultaneously innovative and chilling. From stunning visual effects that make the undead terrifyingly realistic to the heart-racing action sequences, this film captivates audiences right from the opening frame to the credits roll.

Scott is persuasive as the grim and battle-hardened Archer, radiating charisma even in the most precarious scenarios. De Gouw skillfully portrays the internal struggle of Melanie, capturing her character's vulnerability and resilience in equal measure. Their performances backed up by McCann and the rest of the cast further escalate the tension and horror.

Despite having an ensemble cast, every character in The Rezort harbours their own backstory that somehow ties in with the overarching narrative, allowing audiences to resonate with each character in their unique way apart from merely serving zombie bait.

The film's blend of classic horror and action set pieces, along with its socio-political commentary, make it a thought-provoking tour de force in the zombie-horror genre. The smartly crafted and original concept by Barker navigates the story seamlessly through the snares of predictability. The movie concludes on a note that leaves the audience yearning for more yet satisfied with the narrative's climax.

Whether you are a fan of the zombie-horror genres, or a movie enthusiast seeking an enticing and original narrative, The Rezort provides more than just gore and action. This cinematic depiction of the hunter becoming the hunted will leave you pondering long after the last frame fades away.