Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024) is a Spanish zombie action thriller that takes the genre to a new level of pragmatic storytelling. Directed by Carles Torrens and based on the novel by Manel Loureiro, the film stars Francisco Ortiz as Manel, a man trying to survive a virus that transforms infected people into highly aggressive zombies. One of the most infuriating things about many horror movies is the bad decisions characters make for the sake of moving the plot forward. Apocalypse Z is not one of those.
Apocalypse Z stands out with its logical and realistic plot progression, reminiscent of John Carpenter’s 1980 classic, The Thing. At the end of the day, Manel is just a man trying to survive, yet despite his circumstances, he keeps a level head and a morally grounded center.
The film opens near Christmas Eve in Spain, where Manel, a lawyer and solar power company owner, is visiting his family. A tragic car accident claims the life of his wife, Julia, setting the stage for Manel’s downward spiral into depression and isolation. A year later, Manel’s life is upended by the TSJ virus. As the rapidly spreading disease turns infected individuals into zombies, Manel finds himself increasingly alone and struggling to survive. As the government evacuates his sister’s family to the Canary Islands and closes the borders, Manel promises to stay home but eventually finds himself driven by necessity to forage for supplies. His encounter with an elderly wheelchair-bound neighbor, Gabriela, introduces a brief glimmer of hope and human connection, only to be dashed by her subsequent suicide.
Manel’s resourcefulness is showcased as he makes his way to the docks, evading zombies and encountering a group of Ukrainian sailors led by the dubious Captain Ushankov. Immediately Manel figures out these sailors’ aren’t his saviors.
The film’s realistic approach to the zombie apocalypse, combined with its strong character development, makes it a standout in the genre.
From Rec to The Orphanage, Spanish cinema has always done horror right. Carles Torrens’ Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End continues this tradition with its unique blend of realism and some go decision making. The film’s intelligent plot, well-rounded characters, sets it apart from typical zombie movie.
Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End is a must-watch for fans of zombie movies.
Screen Rated 