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Very once in a while, a movie comes along with a generic plot and a terrible poster featuring two or three high-profile actors who are past the peak of their careers. These films often seem to come out of nowhere, and as quickly as they appear, they disappear, leaving no memorable impression. I was fairly certain that 2024's Die Alone would fit this pattern perfectly based on what I'd seen so far. However, as a fan of post-apocalyptic zombie films (despite how many there are), I decided to give it a shot.

To my surprise, this movie turned out to be much better than expected. It's not the typical, tiresome zombie story with one-dimensional, annoying characters. Instead, it's a film that starts off feeling generic but improves as it unfolds. The world that Lowell Dean created here is intriguing, and it left me wanting to see more. While the virus concept isn't entirely original, it's presented in an interesting way, as are the few zombies we encounter throughout the film. At its core, however, the movie is about love and the lengths people will go to when their loved ones are in danger.

Carrie-Anne Moss gives a powerhouse performance as "Mae." It's clear she isn't just there for a paycheck. She put genuine effort into crafting this badass character and bringing her to life. Douglas Smith also gives a solid performance, although some irritating aspects of his character made a few of his scenes hard to watch. Frank Grillo has a small role that doesn't quite justify his oversized presence on the poster. Whoever is in charge of the marketing might want to reconsider this approach, as it sets the wrong expectations.

Die Alone is an entertaining watch, with strong performances and an engaging story that offers something to think about. Unfortunately, the poorly designed posters make the movie look cheap and unappealing. I went in with a lot of doubts because of that marketing, but I left feeling genuinely satisfied with what I'd seen. [6.7/10]

So, I'll confess, I don't get the low score of the movie has on here. The story was original, even if it started slowish, it was well written, the characters didn't do stupid things that annoy the hell out of me in this genre, also the actors played really well.

Yes, I had a hunch around the mid about the punch line, but in the end, it was way more than I imagined it will be.

The filming was nice too, cinematic, places well picked, no shaky camera bs, well selected landscapes.

If I had to pick some negatives, it could be Frank Grillo's short role in the movie and that I expected a bit more zombie menace.

"Die Alone" is a surprising departure from the usual zombie fare, offering a more character-driven approach that's heavy on drama and light on the undead. While it might not satisfy those craving hordes of shambling creatures, it delivers a thought-provoking tale.

The film centers on Ethan, a lone survivor grappling with memory loss and a desperate search for his lost love. He is found by Mae, who brings a sense of mystery and intrigue to the story, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the Ethan's bleakness.

The unique twist in this film involves the plant-based virus that has transformed humans into plant-zombie hybrids. This departure from the traditional undead trope adds a layer of originality quite possibly inspired by the tree zombie in "The Walking Dead" TV series. But zombie gore hounds will not find that here, but instead find that it is a subplot to the story which is a drama.

While some viewers may find the slower pace and lack of action-packed zombie sequences disappointing, Die Alone offers a more intimate and character-driven experience. It's a film that rewards patient viewers with a well-crafted story and strong performances if you don't predict the outcome ahead of time.

Good take on the overplayed genre. Glad to see that people are still trying to give the zombie horror genre a new twist, instead of the regular shoot'em up trope. Though, I love those as well but let's face it, anyone who knows anything about guns knows how horrible the gun play is in zombie films in general.

This movie is a little hard to get through, but it was worth it. It really doesn't take long to figure out what is actually happening for the big reveal, but still as an audience member I still don't know how the ending is actually going to play out.

Only issue I have with this film is that women are not capable of loving someone past their usefulness for a long time, it's not in their DNA, unless it's their child. I think the film would have made a much more powerful impact if the sexual roles were reversed.

"Die Alone" (2024) - A Solid 7/10 & Proof That Carrie-Anne Moss Still Kicks Ass

Alright, let's get one thing straight-Carrie-Anne Moss is a badass, and if you somehow forgot that since The Matrix days, Die Alone is here to remind you. Sure, we've seen our fair share of post-apocalyptic survival flicks, but this one? It's got style, a killer lead performance, and an ending that-while not shocking-lands in a way that makes the whole journey worth it.

The Setup: It's the end of the world (again), and this time, humanity is dealing with a weird plant-based virus turning people into creepy, resilient hybrid monsters. Our protagonist, Ethan (Douglas Smith), wakes up in the middle of this mess with no memory, just vibes and desperation to find his missing girlfriend. Enter Mae (Moss), a hardened survivalist who doesn't have time for nonsense but reluctantly takes Ethan under her wing. Also, Frank Grillo pops up, because of course he does-it's not a proper dystopian thriller without him.

The Execution: Look, the bones of this story aren't exactly groundbreaking. If you've seen The Last of Us, The Road, or basically any "ragtag survivors navigating a ruined world" movie, you know the drill. But here's the thing-it's good. The practical effects are gnarly, the atmosphere is immersive, and the pacing actually keeps you locked in. And then there's Carrie-Anne Moss, proving that even after two decades, she still has that Trinity energy. Her Mae is tough, layered, and absolutely commands the screen.

Why You Gotta Watch Till the End: No, the twist isn't some mind-blowing, reality-shattering moment-but the way it's executed? That's where Die Alone shines. It's one of those endings that just works, bringing everything full circle in a way that makes you appreciate the ride.

Final Verdict: It's a 7/10, but the kind of 7/10 that's absolutely worth your time. Familiar? Sure. But well-executed, well-acted, and featuring a lead who reminds us why she's an icon? Hell yes. If you ever loved The Matrix, do yourself a favor and check this one out.