In this blog post, we explore why zombie films have become more than just horror—they’ve become symbols reflecting modern anxieties and desires—and examine the fundamental reasons we’re drawn to this genre.
Why are zombie movies so popular?
What comes to mind when you think of zombie movies? You might picture monsters infected by something, roaming the streets in grotesque forms, or soulless creatures mercilessly killing others. This setting isn’t merely a tool for showing scary scenes; it carries a metaphor for modern society. In a way, it feels like something that could happen around us, and the fact that I too could become such a monster can evoke deep empathy in us. Zombie films often reflect our societal issues and emotions, deepening people’s feelings of anxiety and fear. This is precisely why zombie films are so popular with many people. So, let’s explore why we are so enthusiastic about zombie films.
Modern life is often too busy and exhausting. Amidst societal pressures and endless competition, the anxiety about losing our humanity grows. Zombies can symbolize the extreme reflection of how we live passively amidst alienation and exhaustion. In zombie films, the infected were once ordinary people, but now they become enemies to each other. This setting reawakens thoughts about social interaction and human nature, hinting that we too could face a tragic fate due to a single choice or mistake.
Are zombie movies horror or thriller?
Zombie movies might sound a bit unfamiliar. Are they horror or thriller? One can’t help but wonder where they originated. Seeing non-existent beings drive the plot could be considered horror, while watching human-like monsters brutally splatter blood to propel the film could be seen as a thriller element. Moreover, the spread of zombies, much like a contagious disease, mirrors aspects of our real lives, tapping into modern fears of epidemics and disasters. In a way, it’s precisely this blend of horror and thriller elements that has propelled them into what’s commonly called the ‘mainstream trend’ these days. Why is their popularity spreading so rapidly, almost like a zombie infection?
Beyond simply showing ‘scary things,’ the genre leaves a deep impression on audiences by exploring the extreme behaviors humans exhibit in disaster situations. What choices will people make to overcome the zombie threat? Scenes where characters wrestle between humanity and brutality while trying to escape the threat create intense immersion. Viewers become deeply engrossed in the process, imagining what choices they themselves would make in such a situation.
Zombie films have a large fan base
Zombies refer to the dead moving as if they’ve come back to life. Being the dead, the subjects themselves are terrifying. Moreover, these dead beings infect the living, turning them into their own kind. As a result, the number of infected continues to grow. In films, situations arise where family or friends become infected, forcing the protagonist to kill them. Thus, zombies have become objects of horror. Yet people also love and are enthusiastic about these creatures. They even cosplay as them without hesitation.
Thus, the zombie character continues to be wildly popular. Zombie movies can be pure horror because they are intertwined with the code of death. However, this zombie element provides audiences with plenty to see. While they are objects of fear, they can also sometimes serve as an outlet for stress relief. In crime or action films, people appear as villains. Since these villains are human, they cannot be killed indiscriminately unless they are clearly the embodiment of pure evil. Zombies, however, while taking human form, are the embodiment of pure evil. Killing them causes no pangs of conscience. Occasionally, someone might kill a family member turning into a zombie to prevent them from infecting others, but we’ll exclude such cases. This framework, borrowed from slasher films, generates a certain level of cathartic satisfaction.
The massive chaos zombies unleash and the diverse human spectacles people display within it are also compelling elements. Portrayals of people desperately fighting for survival, those striving to protect their comrades, or those sacrificing others for personal gain depict a wide range of human behavior. This makes audiences confront moral dilemmas they commonly face in real life, heightening the film’s immersion and appeal.
Transition from B-grade to mainstream culture
Many people struggle to say much about zombie films when asked. Yet, it’s undeniable that the genre has evolved significantly through countless films released over time. Early zombie films merely emphasized the presence of the infected, existing as simple spectacles. They were often seen as mindless entertainment or merely horror material.
But today, zombie films are no longer dismissed as B-movies. The primary reason for this evolution is the diverse range of forms they now take within cinema. A prime example is the film ‘28 Days Later’. ‘28 Days Later’ boasts a solid storyline, leading to sequels. No one can deny that the zombies have been upgraded and the horror amplified. The story revolves around a chimpanzee infected with a rage virus during a laboratory experiment escaping. While the plot itself isn’t particularly complex, it follows the classic zombie movie formula. People become infected one by one during this catastrophe, driving the narrative forward. The scenario unfolds in this predictable manner, which some might find stale. Yet, elements unique to zombie films are woven throughout.
Moreover, modern zombie films often go beyond mere horror and thrills, incorporating philosophical themes and social commentary. For instance, by depicting society collapsing as the zombie virus spreads, they reveal the fragility of human civilization and its inherent instability. This content elevates zombie films beyond simple horror, making them a mirror reflecting our own society.
The Transformation of Zombie Films into Hybrid Genres
Zombies are no longer seen solely as objects of fear. They have established themselves as a cultural phenomenon. In the US, perhaps due to cultural events like Halloween, zombies seem to be accepted without much resistance. These zombies are now infiltrating comedy codes, socially representative codes, and even romantic codes.
A prime example is the film ‘Warm Bodies’. ‘Warm Bodies’ tells the story of a zombie who sees a human and falls in love. When I heard this film existed, I doubted whether a romance could emerge from a zombie movie. In Korea, I’m not sure if it stirred the emotions of young girls or if it was due to the male actor’s image, but I think it performed adequately at the box office. When I saw it, I thought, ‘How could that element work?’ but I was very wrong. It showed a well-balanced mix of the zombie and romance genres. The downside is that while these elements blended well, the horror imagery was discarded. However, approaching zombies differently is a major event for zombie enthusiasts.
Thus, the zombie genre’s meaning and value evolve with the times. Once merely a form of B-movie horror and shock, it now blends with diverse genres to gain mainstream popularity.
Conclusion
This demonstrates how zombies can be utilized from various angles. It shows how the zombie genre blends and mixes well within many different contexts. However, the zombie genre truly shines when used as a horror element. It seems to be at its best when it includes gory elements like blood splattering everywhere, heads blown off by guns, and intestines spilling out of stomachs. Ultimately, zombie films have established themselves as an artistic expression of the anxieties and crises inherent in our society, and they will continue to evolve steadily in the future.
