Warm Bodies (2013)

It should come as no surprise that director Jonathan Levine's unique style is what makes this movie such a hit. Warm Bodies can only be described as a modern spin on Romeo and Juliet in zombie rom-com form. His directorial style seen previously in 50/50 carries over into this Isaac Marion adaptation where he cleverly weaves bits of comedy into the action based novel. 

Nicholas Hoult as "R". Source: Rolling Stones

"R" (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie who desperately wants what he can't have, a human connection. Sometime in the future, the apocalypse has happened and no one is sure what exactly has happened. In order to "survive", the zombies find nourishment in human brains, similar to a drug that gives them a high. A trip to the city for food introduces R to Julie (Teresa Palmer), one of the few living still left. Unexpectedly, instead of trying to eat her, R develops a desire to 'keep her safe' as he tells her multiple times throughout the film. The two begin to develop feelings for each other, staying true to the romantic comedy genre.

If you're not into the romance side of the story, don't worry. There's enough action in this movie to keep you on your toes. Gore and violence are more suggestive than explicitly shown, which helps keep the integrity of the intended story line. The beautifully, yet disgustingly CGI created Boneys, corpses that are beyond saving or curing, provide a darker side to the narrative. 

Cinematography gradually shifts from dark, cold tones of blue and grey, into a warmer orange. An amazing soundtrack gives the film life (pun intended) by keeping it light and humourous in some scenes, and heavy and more serious in others. And of course rising stars Hoult and Palmer are sure to capture the hearts of viewers all over the world. Hoult is as charming as one can be if you're dead. Palmer's change from being deathly afraid to completely smitten with R was smooth and well acted. Supporting cast Rob Corddry and Analeigh Tipton as R and Julie's respective best friends help round out the plot, providing a support system through banter, teasing, and heart-to-heart conversations (even if corpses technically don't have hearts)

Warm Bodies, although a film about zombies, is more a film about the power of human connection and a struggle for survival. It's true what they say. We never know how much something means to us until it's gone: a problem R knows much too well. He craves that human connection, and when he finally meets Julie, that's when he feels alive once more. 

Hardly does anyone say that a movie is better than the book, but this is one case where it is. Fans of the book will appreciate that Levine didn't stray too far from the original text and was still able to put his own spin on it. This film is witty, funny, and daring. It will draw you in and capture your heart. 

Rating: 8.5/10