As someone deeply enamored with the zombie subgenre of horror, it’s exhilarating to stumble upon a film that fits neatly into this chilling niche. The quality of such films tends to swing dramatically, with many landing at either the pinnacle of praise or the depths of disappointment. So, when I encountered the film Ziam, my anticipation skyrocketed, fueled by its intriguing country of origin, which only heightened my eagerness to dive in.
The Rise of The Rambling Horde
The undead have haunted the imaginations of moviegoers for over a century, with one of the earliest portrayals emerging in 1914 through a dramatic piece titled “Voodoo.” This performance approached the concept of zombies indirectly, weaving through the dark arts that birthed the notion of zombification. According to Carnegie Mellon, the first movie explicitly labeled as a zombie feature was the 1932 classic, “White Zombie,” brought to life by the creative visions of Victor Halperin. George Romero, however, was the visionary who transformed the zombie into a modern cultural icon, crafting a legacy that endures in the collective consciousness today. It is this very blueprint that the fervent fan base now reveres as the gold standard for excellence in the genre.
Into the Future
While Romero may have pioneered the archetype of the common creature, it has been persistently reimagined. Korean creators have demonstrated a remarkable grasp of the genre, with Yeon-Sang Ho’s “Train to Busan” standing as one of its most celebrated films. The adeptness of Asian creators in breathing life into such narratives generated significant anticipation for “Ziam” from Thailand, directed by Kulp Kaljareuk.
Plot Dive
“Ziam” unfolds in a city teetering on the brink of collapse. The citizens find themselves in dire straits, with basic nourishment towering at the top of their hierarchy of needs. These dire struggles have ignited a market for alternative means of consumption that, in any other circumstances, might be deemed utterly reprehensible. Enter a savior—a man who has discovered a way to tackle the hunger crisis with an exotic fish. However, this fish is anything but a cure; instead, it is the trigger for a catastrophe of apocalyptic magnitude. Amidst the chaos, one resolute man emerges, armed with the skills and courage to confront the ever-expanding, ravenous horde and fulfill his mission. It is the classic man-versus-monster confrontation brought to life.
Some Things to Write Home About
The film captivates, though it doesn’t break new ground with its plot. The true allure lies in the protagonist’s astonishing skill. He’s a Muay Thai fighter who fearlessly battles the grotesque with his bare hands. At its heart, the film is your typical zombie flick, yet the artistry and visual effects are exceptional, making it stand out. Notably, viewers are finally given a glimpse into the origins of the outbreak, witnessing events unfold from ground zero. This is a rarity in such films, where audiences are usually left guessing the virus’s origin, sparking endless debates long after the credits roll. Confronting this issue head-on is invigorating.
Revisitation
This feature brims with incredulity, pushing invincibility to almost laughable extremes. Yet, this very absurdity injects a delightful levity into the film. It’s not what one would call a masterpiece, but it offers thoroughly entertaining viewing with moments that will leave you gasping. When the mood strikes for a dash of excitement, sleek artistry, and some jaw-dropping yet exaggerated sparring, dive into Netflix and experience Ziam.
Uncut Diamonds 