jak8836 I don't want viewers to walk into this movie expecting a cheap horror flick because this is not that. The Returned is a very serious drama taking the zombie virus into an entirely new setting.As the plot is summarized, this movie is a world in which the zombie virus exists and is controlled within the infected by a special protein; these people are "The Returned." They live just as regular human beings and function normally, but must inject their cure once every day to maintain this. However, supply is running desperately low. Now, it is highly easy to assume that, because of this, the plot would decide to take a horror-esque route with the infected turning into reanimated corpses and wreak havoc. That doesn't happen. The film stays very close knit to a serious drama and does it brilliantly.Very seldom is there gore, in order to keep the infectious setting believable. These moments, as well as other scenes, are shot using horror techniques, but in no way build horror movie tension. The tension is built strictly through the story and there is a lot of it. The first two acts find it lightly sprinkled, while the third act roller coaster's the viewer to the end.The characters felt very genuine to the world they were in. I, personally, felt so much compassion for the cast within the film that whenever something terrible did happen, I was horrified and hoped for a positive outcome. I won't spoil the details of these plot elements. The story writer(s) was incredibly good at weaving in these minor story elements in the first two acts that foreshadowed events that would conclude in the third. Most of these were very subtle moments that would have been otherwise overlooked, but tied all of the loose ends of the film so neatly.Overall, The Returned is one of the best films that I have seen in a long while and I am very happy that I didn't pass it up. Of course, I wasn't expecting it to be anything but a horror movie. It's well written, has some great character development and does carry a lot of tension. My only complaint is that the movie advertised itself as a horror movie and mislead an entire audience.

cubsckc I really forced myself to like this film because people generally rate science fiction or horror films pretty hardcore. So when I picked this movie, I decided to grade it with a grain of salt. The beginning plot actually makes for an interesting movie. There have been two zombie outbreaks before the start of the film that forced a vaccine to be developed in order to save those temporarily if they had been bitten but not completely turned.This at first made a good start to the film. However, the film made a very basic contrary argument in form of a rude fat slob who questioned about what difference this would make considering the fact that the vaccine only worked for 24 hours. The Zombie outbreaks were considered CATASTROPHIC, and yet essentially the main character ignores any sense to the realistic possibility of another outbreak by essentially making him look like some kind of jerk who wants to kill people. I mean... is it really terrible to think at a point where the world suffered two major zombie apocalypses, that the infected should be quarantined? I suppose its what makes the movie's conflict. However, there remains the total illogical stance about treating the infected like normal people. It seems a bit far-fetched considering she has a sexual relationship with someone who is infected. Here in lies the problem of the film. Again, the world has almost collapsed from to world wide zombie outbreaks and yet the social structure is still much intact, and as viewers we are suppose to assume that protecting those infected and not yet turned as a rational aspect. They fail to see the many issues with having unmonitored infected people walking around normally around society that play, eat, and have normal relationships with those that are none infected... If you don't see any danger in this... then you'll probably hate this review. The film even shows how close it was when one didn't take his dosage for whatever reason and infected 5 people before being brought down. In normal society there are so many circumstances in which the infection could spread without knowledge and a pandemic arising right when a normal person realizes in their bedroom that they have been infected. Yet there are virtually no one turning. I'm glad that the people of the world are very responsible in taking their daily dose and being careful at their interactions with others.... not. The main character has sex with someone who is infected... so... Another and more central problem is the people are actually not getting their daily dose because the vaccine has run out. In fact, the major characters in this film that need it, are only able to get it illegally. The rest of the people are ignored and I just don't see how this can be ignored by the viewer. This is a major plot hole! It doesn't work at all! Yet there are virtually no zombies in the film. The film shows one, that is assumed to have turned... and yet... the rest of the world it has not. The ending of the film is a complete bust. You'd have to see it with your own eyes, but its like a message where the main character should have trusted in humanity and the good will of what they are capable of doing. Because the world is saved out of thin air!!! I believe there are naive concepts in the film that are supposed to be seen as instead, compassionate and rational. Yet, the real trouble is hidden away completely in this film. I mean, society still looks the same. They are still worried about money, instead of the tools, food, shelter, water, protection, that I'm sure they used during both the outbreaks. I almost really want to give this a lower rating. However, I will give credit where credit was due. Good beginning, bad prosecution of the film and horrible ending. I guess, I really hope things turn up the way they do if they ever arise like the ending of this film.

Film Watchin Fool Why You Might Like It: The premise really makes the movie and it is an interesting take on the whole zombie apocalypse theme. Essentially, there is a cure for being a zombie that can return you back to being a human if used daily, but the supply is running out. Although most of the cast aren't headliners, the acting is actually pretty solid and doesn't take away from the movie. I thought the directing and other technical aspects of the film were also well done. I was surprised by the movie and thought it was an interesting and entertaining watch.Why You Might Not Like It: This movie isn't so much about zombies as it about the idea of a shortage of the cure. If you are expected a movie with zombies running around everywhere, then this won't provide that for you. Again, it really is more of a drama than a horror/thriller movie. There are also a few small plot holes that you might catch if you pay attention, which might be a problem for some viewers.Acting/Casting: 6* Directing/Cinematography/Technical: 6*Plot/Characters: 7* Entertainment Value: 6.5* Total - 6+6+7+6 = 25/4 = 6.375*

kosmasp For a feature length debut movie, this is not only good, but almost perfect. Obviously expecting this to be action packed or having a lot of horror moments, would be doing a disservice to the movie. This is more of a drama. There is still horror to be found here. And while there are flaws (you can find them in any movie), this character based movie, is really gripping.We concentrate on a pair, who have issues, but seem to get along. The issues obviously are with other people. The themes of discriminating, of fear and "racism" are there. Having them all against something that is different and something that people can not explain is a clever move. And you will go on a journey with them. A journey that is incredible. A tough movie, that might either get you to love it or hate it