15) #Alive
Yep, another zombie movie, this one even more COVID related, so…I’m not going to blame you if you’re hesitant. The story focuses Oh Joon-woo, played by Yoo Ah-in, who’s stuck in his apartment during a zombie outbreak. Yoo Ah-in is the biggest part of why I love this film, because his performance and character feel relatable. The early instincts that he can handle the stress thanks to his ready supply of video and alcohol and the crushing emotional weight as the pressure builds all feel very authentic. He’s just very rootable, and his attempts at physical and emotional survival feel modern without being too trendy. The film has its funny moments and knows how to build tension, especially as he tries to find more innovative methods of escape and survival. That’s probably why I felt okay watch #Alive now; the stress I was feeling during the pandemic was given an actually fun form, with real emotional stakes, without being soul-crushing. #Alive is an enjoyable zombie film, especially for the modern-day.
