Handling the undead is not really a horror movie or a typical Zombie movie. There are hardly any bites at all. It's really about handling the loss of loved ones. You follow three families in their grief and how they cling to the idea of their loved ones return, when in fact they are still dead. Watching this beautiful movie with absolutely fantastic actors my thoughts go to The last of us and The girl with all the gifts. Two of my favourites. But if you think they are slow, this one might put you to sleep... Just get past the first few scenes, then it rises. And as it ends you know you've seems something sad but beautiful.
14 Reviews
Unique, but missing a key ingredient.
golfcruise29 January 2024
In an already tired genre, Handling the Undead aims for a more contemplative and somber face than what we're used to with said genre. The standouts here being the music and atmosphere, one must think such a devotion to visuals would garner strong staying power, yet such was not the case. It's grief observed, through the lens of dark corridors and isolated pastures, asking the singular question, "if you had one more chance to talk to your loved one, what would you say?". Throughout the runtime I discovered the film wasn't exactly interested in exploring this question through a vessel or character of sorts, as it's practically nonexistent. In the end I was left starved, yearning for a connection. A film with a pulse that slowly fades into obscurity.
Disappointed
Mlenoirbond28 January 2024
Slow. So sloooooow. And not a slow burn. I hate to say this, but I found it boring. I love bleak, atmospheric movies, but this one just made me sleepy. I really wanted to like it, so much so that I will probably give it another chance once it's released.
However, I had to close my eyes/ears/heart to the unnecessary, severe animal cruelty. It served little purpose and should have been handled differently.
I was excited to watch this film because I loved "Let the Right One In" and liked "The Worst Person in the World" but this film was a letdown.
Some of the atmospheric cinematography was nice but it was also slow and sleepy. I appreciated that it wasn't your typical jump-scare mainstream nonsense, but this movie really lacked heart. It lacked character development. I wanted to care more about the lives of the characters, but didn't.
The acting was good. The cinematography good, as mentioned. But the whole film was really lacking overall.
And the animal cruelty was disgusting/a cheap shock value gimmick. Does Norway have the same standards for animal welfare as the U. S./Hollywood? I sure hope so. Otherwise, I hope they are eventually slapped with hundreds of fines. That rabbit was clearly under severe genuine distress, in the very least.
An unfortunate waste of our $25 Sundance screening cost.
However, I had to close my eyes/ears/heart to the unnecessary, severe animal cruelty. It served little purpose and should have been handled differently.
I was excited to watch this film because I loved "Let the Right One In" and liked "The Worst Person in the World" but this film was a letdown.
Some of the atmospheric cinematography was nice but it was also slow and sleepy. I appreciated that it wasn't your typical jump-scare mainstream nonsense, but this movie really lacked heart. It lacked character development. I wanted to care more about the lives of the characters, but didn't.
The acting was good. The cinematography good, as mentioned. But the whole film was really lacking overall.
And the animal cruelty was disgusting/a cheap shock value gimmick. Does Norway have the same standards for animal welfare as the U. S./Hollywood? I sure hope so. Otherwise, I hope they are eventually slapped with hundreds of fines. That rabbit was clearly under severe genuine distress, in the very least.
An unfortunate waste of our $25 Sundance screening cost.
A fragment of the original story buried in deadly slow artsy expression
robert-8323030 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
One should of course be careful about comparing a film adaptation of a book to the book itself, but I will anyway as this film is totally missing out on the, in my opinion, most important story aspect of the book: How the society (in a nordic country) would handle an abnormal situation with undead people, and the panic that then follows. Instead this film is purely focusing on avant-gardistic melancholy based on the endless grief of three families where a recently deceased beloved one has come back as undead. And that's it.
Instead of using the length of the film (100 mins) to tell other interesting parts of the original story, it dwells on long, slow, silent, artsy scenes with extremely sparse dialogue and very few characters. The sound design, however, along with the music, is magnificent. The cinematography is great all the way through too.
Too bad that a great and unique novel by a truly unique author (John Ajvide Lindqvist) did not get the film adaptation it deserves this time.
Instead of using the length of the film (100 mins) to tell other interesting parts of the original story, it dwells on long, slow, silent, artsy scenes with extremely sparse dialogue and very few characters. The sound design, however, along with the music, is magnificent. The cinematography is great all the way through too.
Too bad that a great and unique novel by a truly unique author (John Ajvide Lindqvist) did not get the film adaptation it deserves this time.
People, the slowness helps
MatiasLaurent15 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Many reviews on IMDb cannot move past the slow pace of this movie, which admittedly is understandable if they usually accompany themselves with scrolling on the daily - or plainly hates reflection.
These slow-paced scenes exist in the context of inviting you to actually feel what the characters are feeling - alone, quiet, simple and thoughtful. You don't always have to exit a theater with an ecstatic build-up, nor a dramatic ending sequence.
This film is a thought-provoking dystopia in the genre of zombies, though this is not the main focus. It is the families and loved ones reacting to it, and we get to explore this new world through their eyes and of course pace.
These slow-paced scenes exist in the context of inviting you to actually feel what the characters are feeling - alone, quiet, simple and thoughtful. You don't always have to exit a theater with an ecstatic build-up, nor a dramatic ending sequence.
This film is a thought-provoking dystopia in the genre of zombies, though this is not the main focus. It is the families and loved ones reacting to it, and we get to explore this new world through their eyes and of course pace.
Where was the movie?
HypnoticPoison727 January 2024
I had the chance to see this for the Sundance film festival. I wish I had chosen something else. Anything else. This was almost the slowest thing I'd ever seen, and I just followed it up by watching "The Stalker" by Tarkovsky, so when I say slow--I mean sloooooooow. At least Tarkovsky had a meaning and philosophy being told as part of the story for you to ponder during slow scenes. This movie left you wishing everyone in it would die a horrible interesting death because their lives were so monotonous. There wasn't a single likeable character besides the innocent Kian, and he had essentially no lines! In fact there was hardly any dialogue of any kind in the entire movie. Hardly anything happened at all, then when something sorta kinda does, it ends abruptly. I've got the book, and "Let the Right One In" is one of my favorite movies and books, so it's not as if I'm not the right demographic here. This just has nothing going for it. I regret the time spent on it, the money spent, and the hours of backlash I had to hear afterward from my husband who was equally upset by the time he so rarely gets being wasted watching nothing happen. Boring doesn't even begin to describe it. More like mind numbing. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Great depressing horror drama but NOT the typical horror zombie movie
chenp-5470828 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Handling the Undead has been receiving VERY mixed responses from the public which is understandable because this isn't the typical zombie movie as it's more of an art-house movie. Many have criticized the movie for being slow and uninviting but personally, I think it is a great exploration of handling loss, grief, and death with beautiful camerawork, good performances, themes, and writing.
Filmmaker Thea Hvistendahl does a pretty good job on handling the depressing and themes of death and loss with good writing, interesting character and writing choices and atmospheres throughout. Many of the camerawork, production designs, and sound designs perfectly captures the lonely, depressing background, and vibe to the setting of the environment. Including good performances from many of the cast members and the soundtrack.
As I mentioned, the narrative isn't the typical gory and horror zombie movie but rather it is more of a dramatic horror narrative about dealing with loss and grief. It's slow-burn approach is going to be off-putting for many, yet, I still found the narrative to be investing and the characters to be interesting. Grief and loss have been explored in horror movies but not in the dead living genre which I do applaud it's creative approach and unique style.
Admittedly, some of the pacing could use some improvements. There are some good solid bloody and violent moments. Particular a scene with a bunny was pretty disturbing and hard to watch that is going to make many, especially animal lovers, felt highly uncomfortable.
Overall, I really liked it. Again, I have to say again, it's not the typical horror zombie movie but more of an art-house movie.
Handling the Undead has been receiving VERY mixed responses from the public which is understandable because this isn't the typical zombie movie as it's more of an art-house movie. Many have criticized the movie for being slow and uninviting but personally, I think it is a great exploration of handling loss, grief, and death with beautiful camerawork, good performances, themes, and writing.
Filmmaker Thea Hvistendahl does a pretty good job on handling the depressing and themes of death and loss with good writing, interesting character and writing choices and atmospheres throughout. Many of the camerawork, production designs, and sound designs perfectly captures the lonely, depressing background, and vibe to the setting of the environment. Including good performances from many of the cast members and the soundtrack.
As I mentioned, the narrative isn't the typical gory and horror zombie movie but rather it is more of a dramatic horror narrative about dealing with loss and grief. It's slow-burn approach is going to be off-putting for many, yet, I still found the narrative to be investing and the characters to be interesting. Grief and loss have been explored in horror movies but not in the dead living genre which I do applaud it's creative approach and unique style.
Admittedly, some of the pacing could use some improvements. There are some good solid bloody and violent moments. Particular a scene with a bunny was pretty disturbing and hard to watch that is going to make many, especially animal lovers, felt highly uncomfortable.
Overall, I really liked it. Again, I have to say again, it's not the typical horror zombie movie but more of an art-house movie.
Thin and slow. To slow.
andreas-claeson29 January 2024
This film left med so disappointed and actually bored. I have nothing against slow paced movies but the slow pace and shots must eventually lead up to something taking the movie forward. This film does not do that. The film contains so many of these, in the end, meaningless crane and tracking shots. It has been suggested that it could be a silent movie. Well, it could have, but then again it is not. Since there actually is some dialogue in it ruining that aspect as well. It is NOT a zombie movie and if you see it as a regular drama movie it will certainly leave you disappointed. Adding to this is the constant irrational behaviour from the characters.
Impressively boring
boyeviuf199816 February 2024
If I told you a small country in northern Europe helped a debut-director in producing a zombie-movie barely surpassing 1,5 hours, would you recon on it being a movie of high quality? Probably not. Follow your gut feeling.
This movie features some great actors, and the plot is all right, but unfortunately it is just way too slow. And when it's not slow, it's boring. The film does capture a few beautiful moments between people. It does, however, stay quite shallow, leaving a lot of emotional potential behind.
Boring can still be beautiful, and the film does contain some great scenery. Some of the scenes does depict unusual, but intriguing, everyday situations in a brave manner. A focus on peculiar sound effects, albeit somewhat dramatic at times, also add a refreshing aspect to this easygoing one-and-a-half hour of my life.
This is not another "The worst person in the world", which i'm guessing a lot of people are looking for, and that's all right, but it is not good in and of itself either.
Whatever you're looking for, this probably ain't it. Unless you want to see what a 1,5 hour zombie-movie from a small country in northern Europe does to you.
This movie features some great actors, and the plot is all right, but unfortunately it is just way too slow. And when it's not slow, it's boring. The film does capture a few beautiful moments between people. It does, however, stay quite shallow, leaving a lot of emotional potential behind.
Boring can still be beautiful, and the film does contain some great scenery. Some of the scenes does depict unusual, but intriguing, everyday situations in a brave manner. A focus on peculiar sound effects, albeit somewhat dramatic at times, also add a refreshing aspect to this easygoing one-and-a-half hour of my life.
This is not another "The worst person in the world", which i'm guessing a lot of people are looking for, and that's all right, but it is not good in and of itself either.
Whatever you're looking for, this probably ain't it. Unless you want to see what a 1,5 hour zombie-movie from a small country in northern Europe does to you.
Boring and stupid
litteraturia4 February 2024
Extremely boring and stupid movie. Never seen anything worse. We felt like laughing because the film tried so hard to be something it wasn't. No edge, no emotion, no message. Nothing. We didn't get the chance to get to know the characters and their relationships to the main characters before they died. So when they returned to life we just didn't identify with any feelings the living had. And we couldn't care less. The movie is uninteresting on all levels and we just don't understand why all these fabolous actors wanted to Play in it. It' s a mysterium and it must be so embarrassing to them to see the film on screen.
Deeply moving, creepy and beautiful
taawiik2 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a heartbreaking story about loss, that speaks to something deep inside us. It's so beautifully made, and still a creepy undertone that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It holds a very special atmosphere and I can not recommend this enough.
You can feel the hot temperature and headaches through the screen, and the shock when the characters meet their undead lost ones. How this movie builds towards something, and you hope it's not what you think it will be. The heartbreak when you learn they must lose them all over again.
Never have I seen grief explained as well as this in any movie.
You can feel the hot temperature and headaches through the screen, and the shock when the characters meet their undead lost ones. How this movie builds towards something, and you hope it's not what you think it will be. The heartbreak when you learn they must lose them all over again.
Never have I seen grief explained as well as this in any movie.
Unique zombie film
livingwasatch28 January 2024
This film stands out as my favorite among the ten online films released this year. From start to finish, it was an absolute pleasure to watch. The cinematography was nothing short of amazing, capturing every scene with precision and artistry. The balance of light and darkness was near perfect, creating a visually stunning experience that left me in awe. But it wasn't just the visuals that impressed me; the overall sound design was incredible. The way the sound was layered and blended with the visuals enhanced the atmosphere and drew me deeper into the story.
What sets this film apart from other zombie movies is its intriguing and unique approach. It managed to breathe new life into a genre that can often feel tired and predictable. The narrative was gripping, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. The characters were well-developed and brought a refreshing depth to the story. The performances were top-notch, with the actors delivering their roles with conviction and authenticity.
But what truly made this film a pleasure to watch was the way it explored deeper themes and emotions beyond the typical zombie tropes. It delved into the human condition, examining the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths we are willing to go for survival. It challenged conventional notions of morality and showcased the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, this film is a true gem among this year's online releases. With its breathtaking cinematography, immersive sound design, and thought-provoking narrative, it exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression. It is a must-watch for any film enthusiast, whether they are a fan of the zombie genre or not. Prepare to be captivated and moved by this cinematic masterpiece.
What sets this film apart from other zombie movies is its intriguing and unique approach. It managed to breathe new life into a genre that can often feel tired and predictable. The narrative was gripping, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. The characters were well-developed and brought a refreshing depth to the story. The performances were top-notch, with the actors delivering their roles with conviction and authenticity.
But what truly made this film a pleasure to watch was the way it explored deeper themes and emotions beyond the typical zombie tropes. It delved into the human condition, examining the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths we are willing to go for survival. It challenged conventional notions of morality and showcased the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, this film is a true gem among this year's online releases. With its breathtaking cinematography, immersive sound design, and thought-provoking narrative, it exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression. It is a must-watch for any film enthusiast, whether they are a fan of the zombie genre or not. Prepare to be captivated and moved by this cinematic masterpiece.
Nordic Noir at its finest
indyelvis-124 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is not a movie for everyone.
It is slow, almost no words are spoken. Like a snail covered in frozen slime it almost moves forward to an ending. No big explosions, no guns fired, no climax in any way.
But it is beautiful in the way it is done.
Low budget. Clever little tricks here and there.
This is a movie that wants you to stop and think a little.
I hate movies like this. And there are hundreds of them made in Scandinavia: Man sits looking at an empty cup, a clock ticks, a fly buzzes, man gets up and moves to another chair and sits down, for 45 minutes. Hate it.
But I love this one. The sound and music made me love it. When Nina Simone sang "Ne me quitte pas" it almost made me cry in the movie theater, holding the popcorn in my hand so I didn't made a sound.
The colors they chose, the way they made the movie, the grains on the film .. It is a nice movie to see. An hour and 30 minutes well spend.
But not for everyone.
It is slow, almost no words are spoken. Like a snail covered in frozen slime it almost moves forward to an ending. No big explosions, no guns fired, no climax in any way.
But it is beautiful in the way it is done.
Low budget. Clever little tricks here and there.
This is a movie that wants you to stop and think a little.
I hate movies like this. And there are hundreds of them made in Scandinavia: Man sits looking at an empty cup, a clock ticks, a fly buzzes, man gets up and moves to another chair and sits down, for 45 minutes. Hate it.
But I love this one. The sound and music made me love it. When Nina Simone sang "Ne me quitte pas" it almost made me cry in the movie theater, holding the popcorn in my hand so I didn't made a sound.
The colors they chose, the way they made the movie, the grains on the film .. It is a nice movie to see. An hour and 30 minutes well spend.
But not for everyone.
Incredible genre-breaking drama
martinpersson9727 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This highly anticipated horror drama, is indeed the satirical, dramatic and unique artistic expression that we have all been anticipating.
This incredible director, adapting a novel by well known and acclaimed author John Ajvide Lindqvist, indeed captures his unique touch splendidly - with some stellar, very witty and extremely poignant writing, very well paced, and accompined by some truly unique and incredible acting for the ages.
The cinematography, cutting and editing is incredible, very unique, low key, and very much accompining the narrative in a beautiful way. Very beautifully put together.
Overall, very much a masterful presentation, and indeed highly recommended for any lover of film!
This incredible director, adapting a novel by well known and acclaimed author John Ajvide Lindqvist, indeed captures his unique touch splendidly - with some stellar, very witty and extremely poignant writing, very well paced, and accompined by some truly unique and incredible acting for the ages.
The cinematography, cutting and editing is incredible, very unique, low key, and very much accompining the narrative in a beautiful way. Very beautifully put together.
Overall, very much a masterful presentation, and indeed highly recommended for any lover of film!
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