The living being comforted by the return of their deceased loved ones is a concept that may sound intriguing at first glance. However, in “Handling the Undead”, this idea, while well-intentioned, ultimately fails to deliver a groundbreaking take on the zombie genre.
Directed by Thea Hvistendahl and co-written with John Ajvide Lindqvist, “Handling the Undead” explores the notion of the undead returning to the world of the living. The film takes a slow and quiet approach, focusing on loss, suffering, and undying love. While this concept may sound fresh, it ultimately falls short of being a revolutionary addition to the genre.
Set in Oslo, Norway, the story revolves around Anna, a mother who has recently lost her son, and David, a husband who has lost his wife. As the dead return to life, the living are forced to confront their grief and come to terms with their new reality. The film’s lead performers, Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie, bring a level of emotional depth to their characters, making their struggles all the more poignant.
While “Handling the Undead” has its moments, it ultimately lacks the time and effort to fully explore its storylines. The narrative is comprised of vignettes, giving us glimpses into the lives of these families, but never fully going into their complexities. Character development is sacrificed for the sake of the overall concept, leaving the audience feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
A Still From Handling the Undead (Photo: Handling the Undead)
The film’s mood is contemplative and melancholic, with a haunting score that perfectly captures the sense of despair and desperation. The cinematography by Celine Engebrigsten is equally impressive, bringing the dark and cold universe of pain and suffering to life.
Despite its faults, the individual parts of “Handling the Undead” are solid on their own. The performances by the cast, especially Reinsve and Lie, shine through, making their characters’ struggles all the more believable. The film’s aesthetic is also noteworthy, with a gorgeously dark visual style that complements the narrative.
Unfortunately, “Handling the Undead” fails to deliver a unique take on the zombie genre. Despite its attempts to innovate, the film’s story feels like a rehashing of the same ideas and themes we’ve seen before. In the end, it’s an admirable attempt to break away from the norm, but ultimately, “Handling the Undead” is a slow-paced drama with some decent performances and a lovely aesthetic. However, it lacks the time or effort to give its story the depth and complexity it deserves.
