Die Alone

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]

"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.

One thing that bothered me about this movie was putting Frank Grillo on the poster, like he is a major character. He is not. He has what is basically a cameo at the very end. The only two characters other than other very secondary ones are Carrie-Anne Moss' and Douglas Smith's.

The story happens in a post-apocalyptic world in which some plant based virus infects people and make them attack and eat each other while slowly turning them into plants. Couchpotatosis, basically. The main character has amnesia and tries to find the girlfriend he lost after a car accident, while this old lady Mae helps him find her. And various things happen until he finds her. That's it.

However, the acting is really good, the sound, the sets, the atmosphere. I switched from "why does Carrie-Anne Moss play in all these stupid movies lately?" to "I got why she chose to play in this one". Douglas Smith did well, too, although I would say I can imagine the guy being like that in real life, so maybe he played himself :) A bit mean to say that.

Basically, an arthouse zombie flick, of which there are a lot for some reason, low budget, but well done.

What sets Die Alone apart is its focus on character development. The film takes its time to explore Ethan and Mae's backstories, revealing their vulnerabilities and motivations. This emotional depth adds a layer of humanity to the otherwise terrifying world they inhabit.

While the zombie elements are present, they serve as a backdrop to the central narrative. The film's true strength lies in its exploration of human resilience and the power of connection. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Their dynamic is both tense and touching, providing a compelling contrast to the bleak surroundings.

This zombie movie has a somewhat different feel from most I've seen, and I believe I've seen them all. Unlike most that venture down the 'virus spread by blood or saliva' with shambling, or running full speed corpses, craving for brains, this one has a yarn almost completely of its own.

Though it does bare the causes as fungus, much like The Last of Us, the zombies behave very differently. I like that this leads to a different set of zombie behaviours than we normally experience and I liked how played out in the story as it's a refreshing change from the stale narrative we tend to be fed with this sort of flick.

Carrie-Anne Moss pretty much carries this one, Douglas Smith is ok but seems a little out of his depth in portraying the emotions and character the screenplay demands. There actually can't be more than a dozen cast members (save the zombies) so in that sense its a tiny production. Grillo once again proves that he's more than a action star and does well with his rather miniscule part.

I think this one needed to go harder with the story it was telling since it never really reaches the cresendo of action, intense suspense, or tension that you'r promised, and whilst the story is a good one, it becomes somewhat obvious fairly early on where the plot is going and what the outcome will be. This isn't ncessarily a bad thing since a twist isn't an imperative, but the payoff for the investment in time isn't esceptional and we really should have been given a little more with this one.

That said I did enjoy it. I was a good perspective on post apolcolyptical events and the standard human tendecy to agressive tribalism most movies of his genre employ.

I've given it a generous 7/10 as a hardcore zombie fan and as such do recommend it. Its probably not going to vie for any serious position with the greats that have come before it, but it's worth a watch.