Film Review: Zombieland (2009)

The zombie apocalypse has long captivated the imaginations of authors and creators across various media, serving as a fertile ground for exploring themes of survival, societal collapse, and human resilience. Over the past fifty years, this scenario has provided a compelling excuse for exploitation content in form of graphic violence, mixing it with horror, and action, often accompanied by implicit social commentary. Notably, some works have successfully infused humour into their narratives. A prime example is the 2004 British film Shaun of the Dead, which showcased how a zombie apocalypse can be portrayed with a comedic lens. This film inspired Zombieland, a 2009 action-horror-comedy directed by Ruben Fleischer, which has since emerged as one of the most popular and commercially successful Hollywood zombie films of the 21st century.

Set months after a devastating outbreak that has transformed America into a wasteland inhabited by flesh-eating zombies, Zombieland follows the story of Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a former college student and the film's narrator. As one of the few remaining survivors, Columbus shares his journey of survival, detailing how he evaded death by adhering to a set of personal rules. His quest leads him across the country with the vague hope of reuniting with his parents. Along the way, he encounters Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a fellow survivor whose remarkable zombie-killing skills are matched only by his obsession with Twinkies. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with Wichita (Emma Stone) and her younger sister Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two con artists who initially rob them of their vehicle and supplies. However, after some negotiation, the four characters decide to travel together towards Los Angeles, aiming for Pacific Playland amusement park—a rumoured safe haven from zombies.

The success of Zombieland can be attributed to its simplicity. Originally conceived as a television pilot by screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, this simplicity is reflected in the film's brisk runtime of approximately 90 minutes. Much of this time is dedicated to establishing its fictional world and introducing its main characters rather than developing a complex plot. This open-ended narrative allows for potential sequels while keeping viewers engaged in the immediate escapades of its characters.

Another element contributing to its straightforwardness is the limited number of human characters—only four protagonists exist in a world otherwise dominated by zombies. This focus on character development allows for deeper connections with the audience. The other humans primarily appear in flashbacks; for instance, Amber Heard portrays Columbus's attractive neighbour who becomes one of the first victims of the outbreak.

The casting in Zombieland is noteworthy for its diversity and chemistry among actors. Jesse Eisenberg delivers a relatable performance as an intellectual everyman navigating this chaotic world. Woody Harrelson embodies a nearly archetypical cowboy redneck with an impressive flair for humour and action. Emma Stone brings charm and depth to her role as Wichita, while overshadowing Abigail Breslin’s portrayal of Little Rock.

Ruben Fleischer’s direction is commendable; much like Shaun of the Dead offered a British perspective on zombie narratives, Zombieland adopts an American lens through its road movie format. The film adeptly blends bloody action with dark humour and cultural commentary. One standout moment occurs in Los Angeles when Bill Murray appears as a fictionalised version of himself in a brief yet memorable cameo that highlights both the absurdity and charm inherent in the film.

Upon its release, Zombieland garnered predominantly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, achieving impressive box office success. It became the highest-grossing zombie film until World War Z was released four years later. The film's unique blend of comedy and horror struck a chord with viewers, solidifying its place within popular culture.

The immediate popularity of Zombieland led to its cult status among fans. The four main characters became so beloved figures, that the plans for a television series featuring different actors portraying them were abandoned following unaired pilot. In 2019, a sequel titled Zombieland: Double Tap was released, reuniting the original cast.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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