Film #31 — 5/5 Zombie Films; 6/6 Countries (Spain)
By C. Ramsay
Opening on a reporter and cameraman covering the night shift at a fire station, the viewer is dragged with them on a call to help an elderly woman trapped in her apartment, an excursion that culminates in the lockdown of the building due to the spread of a rabies-like virus that is contagious to humans. We stay within the point of view of Pablo, the cameraman, for nearly the entire film, forcing the viewer into the center of the action along with every other frantic character. The sense of helplessness experienced by the audience is made worse through having no choice but to move with Ángela, the reporter, and Pablo to keep up with the professionals who were meant to be captured in the first place, but not being able to contribute anything except for witnessing and documentation. The group we’re placed with has no expertise for the crisis and is constantly struggling to remain calm—even those with authority completely lack in the ability to do anything that might matter, though they try.
Manuela Valesco, who plays Ángela, is extremely charismatic in her role, developing a combination of naivety and initiative that rounds out her characterization in places where others might remain stereotypes or caricatures. The makeup and practical effects are great, and though we see a lot, it’s constantly fragmented due to the camerawork, making us crave more. It helps that the colours of the building and most of the clothing are muted, allowing any blood to stand out.
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