Zombie at 17

Zombie at 17 is an exciting and thrilling film from 2018, directed by Alexandre Carrière. Featuring an absorbing plot and a talented cast comprising Laurie Fortier, Celeste Desjardins, and Seamus Patterson, this captivating movie provides a fresh twist on the classic zombie theme.

The movie sets the bar high right out of the gate and carries the audience along on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions, suspense, surprise, and heartbreaking choices. Weaving in supernatural elements into an everyday setting, Zombie at 17 creates a unique blend of reality and the uncanny that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

At the heart of the narrative is the central character, Tia, brought to life with a compelling performance by Celeste Desjardins. Tia is a defiant teenager who finds her life upended when a strange illness starts to take over. She starts to show symptoms that are ominously akin to those depicted in horror stories - those of a zombie.

Laurie Fortier plays the role of Tia's caring and concerned mother Alice, who is terrified about her daughter's new unexplainable medical condition. Fortier delivers a stunning and empathetic performance as she tries to navigate and reconcile her maternal instincts with her deep-seated fear of what her daughter may become. The chemistry between mother and daughter paints an authentic and heartfelt picture of a family under duress.

Nicely laced into the plot is Flynn, head of a rogue government agency, that is constantly on Tia's tails, portrayed by Seamus Patterson. Flynn's character adds thrilling tension to the narrative and keeps the pulse racing. The perpetual cat-and-mouse chase adds another layer of action and suspense to this edge-of-the-seat thriller.

Without giving too much away, it is sufficient to say that Zombie at 17 is more than your typical zombie movie. It goes beyond linear storytelling and focuses not only on the transformation but the ensuing emotional turmoil, trial & tribulation, and the struggle a teenage girl must face when life as she knew it dissipates. Tia's transformation is not reckless but studied, showcasing the battle a distressed teenager fights as she undergoes an unimaginable metamorphosis.

Celeste Desjardins does a phenomenal job in making the audience empathize with Tia's plight. Her portrayal of a confused teenager baffled and terrified about her own changing body and mind is beautifully done. As her life crumbles around her, Tia's struggle to keep her humanity alive adds a poignant layer to the movie, making it not just an action-packed zombie story, but also an exploration of the human condition under unthinkable circumstances.

The film deals with common archetypes but adorns them with intriguing plot turns, where loyalty, love, survival, and self-preservation intersect. Zombie at 17 becomes more than just a horror film; it turns into a gripping drama about a teenager's life and growing pains, albeit with a much darker twist.

The director, Alexandre Carrière, skillfully intertwines varying themes of family, infection, societal pressure, and governmental power, adding depth and complexity to this genre-bending film. The engaging narrative, paired with excellent performances, a haunting score, and arresting visuals, makes Zombie at 17 a movie worth watching.

Zombie at 17 takes a familiar concept and manages to breathe new life into it. The film delivers chillingly thrilling sequences, a haunting atmosphere, and emotionally charged performances, making it a standout in its genre. It's a thrilling ride for anyone who appreciates a fresh perspective on the classic zombie narrative, laced with drama and emotion.

Overall, Zombie at 17 provides a unique blend of horror, thriller, and drama that is delivered effectively thanks to its well-knit plot, impressive performances, and a deft directorial hand. If you are looking for something that reinvents the classic zombie apocalypse narrative with an enthralling emotional edge, then this film is a must-watch.