Review COLONY: Zombie Terror More Threatening and Evolving

Kapanlagi.com - Among the existing zombie films, COLONY manages to present an unusual surprise. Director Yeon Sang-ho returns with his signature genre, zombie thriller, which is not only full of tension but this time the undead are "upgraded" to be much more terrifying.

After shaking the world ten years ago with Train to Busan, the director and screenwriter of COLONY presents a story with a simple premise but a well-executed execution.

1. Simple Premise Actually Triggers Adrenaline

The story centers around Kwon Se-jeong (Jun Ji-hyun/Gianna Jun), a biotechnology professor who becomes trapped inside a conference building during a deadly viral bioterror attack. The situation worsens when the infected victims turn into ferocious creatures, while the building is immediately quarantined, leaving all residents trapped inside. She must find a way to escape the terror along with a few others.

The premise may be simple, but COLONY manages to showcase its own uniqueness compared to other zombie films. It doesn't give a moment to feel at ease throughout its 2-hour and 2-minute duration.

2. Focus on Zombie Evolution

The horror escalates when the zombies not only attack savagely and aggressively but also can learn new things, think, and share information. The idea of a "hive mind" or collective intelligence is attributed to the zombies as if they are AI machines that can be trained to become intelligent. The cramped spaces, dark corridors, and quarantine atmosphere heighten the adrenaline, keeping the audience on edge.

The performances of experienced actors like Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo add to the intensity of the film. The film's greatest strength lies in its zombie concept. The chase scenes and zombie attacks successfully keep the heart racing throughout the film.

3. Lack of Dramatic Elements

Unfortunately, Colony focuses more on the evolution of zombie attacks than on the development of each character's story, resulting in a lack of emotional depth and dramatic elements. Yeon Sang-ho seems to emphasize how zombies can evolve and adapt to become more threatening and dangerous, rather than focusing on the backstory of each character, which generally has the potential to stir emotions.

4. Rating 9/10

If rated numerically, Colony can be considered a highly watchable zombie film, as it still delivers surprises and impressive intense action within the zombie concept. The simple premise does not lead to a mediocre execution for this film. From the directing side, Yeon Sang-ho still demonstrates his ability to build tension.

(kpl/fbi)