Based on the webtoon of the same name, All Of Us Are Dead captures a zombie attack in Korea. The plot builds on the concept that several students are infected with a virus in their high school. The school's science teacher creates the virus to help his son defeat the bully at school, Gwi-Nam (Yoo In-soo). The spread of the virus however quickly grows out of control and soon affects the entire school and even areas outside of it. It is not long after the zombie attack that the higher authority takes seriously the rumor that hundreds are infected, leaving only a few survivors. They become our protagonists.
Following this, the story unfolds the struggles of these protagonists in an environment devoid of adult guidance and supervision. Survival then becomes the show's guiding principle. The show simply offers a glimpse into the survival strategies these individuals use to live their lives.
If you're a fan of this genre, you'll experience how the series has each episode better than the last. An exceptional twist is introduced into the show after the first few episodes, and it is then that the plot gets extremely interesting. Up until then, the show follows the same path and structure as several other shows in the same genre.
However, it can be exhausting to watch zombie horror and violence. As the series progresses, it becomes evident that a break from the horror is necessary.
The story set in the perspective of teenagers stands out as the most compelling aspect of the show. The show is consequently able to capture subtly the toxicity of teenage culture: bullying, constant blame games, love triangles, and friendship. It introduces and explores the dilemmas on the human mind that makes the show stand out.
It questions the morality of leaving a friend to die because they are infected or questions the differences between people and the justification of choosing their lives over the other. The show cleverly emphasizes that these young adults are the future of the country and those light on their issues in a post-apocalyptic world.
The series, released during the pandemic era, asks uncomfortable but consequential questions relating to human nature when it's appropriate to do so and inserts scientific jargon where it's necessary.
Occasionally, however, the show ventures beyond these teenagers stuck in a school with other students and teachers that have turned into zombies. It captures the outside world and the effects the virus attack has on them as well. This could be perceived as dragging, long and unnecessary.
"All of Us Are Dead" is a perfect mix of human awakening and the ravages it can cause. It is realistic and authentic that each of the protagonists faces a crisis fitting their age and time.
The actors have done an amazing job. Some that are worthy of praise are Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, NamCho Yi-Hyun, Lee You-mi, Lomon, Ha Seung-ri, Lee Eun-saem, and Yoo In-soo.
The shots captured although horrifying are still beautiful. They enable to show the claustrophobia, the darkness of their futures, and the bloodshed are captured accurately.
The show as a whole is perfectly suited to the mess that we are living in right now. There's an emphasis on the toxicity of the teenage world as well as the concept of adults as saviors of the world. Moreover, it's a visual treat. As the show's horror can be hard to adapt to, it's best to watch it in small doses.
Final Score – [8.5/10]
Reviewed by – Aalaya Sonti
Follow her @layaarants on Twitter