Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End, the Spanish horror film that took Prime Video by storm

IN Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End Prime Video several events are happening at the same time, and all of them are catastrophic. On the one hand, Manel (Francisco Ortiz) must go out to duel and try to survive one of the worst stages of his life. But on the other hand, you should also try to escape from a total and unexpected threat. A zombie infection that is spreading around the world at a terrible speed. What will allow him to cross the ruined Spain, with the only company of her cat who was able to reach safety.

The idea of ​​Carles Torrance’s film may not seem entirely original. But what it actually does is take a fresh approach to the horror genre from an emotional perspective, allowing you to think about why its characters survive in the worst conditions. Based on a trilogy by writer Manel Loureiro, whose first book is a film adaptation, it is a reflection in the key thriller about survival, about pain, fear and finding a purpose. Moreover, when the entire plot takes place almost in real time and from the point of view a character who must face a situation with little to no knowledge of what is happening.

A true innovation in zombie cinema, it often reduces its protagonists to mere excuses for traveling through disaster territory. Against, Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the Enddelves into Manel and his suffering with the same skill as the brutal scenario he must endure. The result is a film that is full of suspenseful moments, but at the same time makes its main characters complex, human and important to the development of the plot. A decision that makes the story an interesting combination between apocalyptic terror and well-constructed human drama.

From book to multiscreen

Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the Endtells essentially the same story as the book by Manel Loureiro on which it is based, and this is one of its great advantages. The zombie saga of the writer from Pontevedra, the first part of which was published in 2007, created a sensation when it was published. This is due to the fact that it manages to combine local flavor and Spanish culture into a classic horror story that becomes more intense with each passing moment. The book, which began as a blog post and caused a furor among fans of the genre, quickly became a publishing phenomenon. After, in a saga that became increasingly complex and interesting as it grew in popularity and complexity.

The adaptation partially inherits the quality of this phenomenon from the source material. First, it is credible enough to captivate readers. But at the same time, it has its own personality, which allows it to tell the same story – or a very similar one – on its own terms. A parallel to the inner world of Manel, who experienced a tragic loss that led him to isolation and loneliness. as well as the one around him being turned into a disaster zone became more obvious than ever.

What’s more, Angel Agudo’s script ensures that each of the novel’s emblematic scenes come to the small screen in all its rawness. Featuring a well-done visual section that also explores the nature of the monsters, giving them a rare humanity, Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the Endsurprise. This is because, despite the usual features of the genre, it also explores themes that are not usually part of horror films. From suffering and realizing that the creatures that attacked before were men and women, to fear of the future. The film does a surprising job of creating a believable context for a pessimistic story.

Zombie in Spanish

Certainly one of the greatest interesting moments in history Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the Endstill has to transfer all its activities to the Spanish stage. What allowed first the book, and now the film, to use the characteristics of the country and culture as a backdrop for everything that happens around. The feeling that a catastrophic event of this magnitude could occur is more realistic than ever. Moreover, the argument has enough care to always be credible within the confines of horror cinema.

Elias M. Felix’s visuals manage to transform the forests and countryside of Galicia into a dark landscape in which zombies may be the least of the problems. For this occasion, the director of photography manages to turn entire locations into bizarre disaster scenarios. And also to give the empty streets ruins of buildings of rare gloomy beauty. What allows adaptation to capture, he adapts almost entirely the gloomy and fatalistic atmosphere of the novel.

In the end, Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End This is more than a great adaptation best-seller. It is, and for all the good reasons that make it a smart version of the popular story. It’s also proof that Spanish cinema can take an inventive approach to the horror genre.One of the most interesting elements that the Prime Video film leaves behind.