By Lee Minji
“Colony”: A New Breed of Zombie Thriller Unfolds in Downtown Seoul
Set within the sleek confines of a high-rise building in bustling downtown Seoul, a biotech conference takes a terrifying turn. The film “Colony” plunges viewers into immediate chaos as lone wolf researcher Seo Young-cheol, brilliantly portrayed by Koo Kyo-hwan, unleashes a deadly new virus, infecting unsuspecting attendees.
The narrative skillfully employs a familiar survival plot. As the skyscraper is sealed off, a diverse group of survivors finds themselves trapped. This ensemble includes sharp biotechnology academics, a resolute police officer, a vigilant security guard, a brother-sister duo from the IT industry, and a group of troublesome teenagers. They must navigate a perilous environment, fostering uneasy alliances and intense confrontations as they fight desperately for their lives.
Their adversaries are no ordinary zombies. Initially appearing as primitive, quadrupeds, these creatures rapidly evolve through distinct phases, transforming into formidable beings. What makes them truly menacing is their interconnected network, a collective intelligence that continuously strengthens their threat.
The Mastermind and the Evolving Threat
Seo Young-cheol, the architect of this horrific mutation, believes that a future where humanity is interconnected and controlled through this network is the pinnacle of effective communication. He meticulously orchestrates the growing zombie horde, sometimes with the subtle twitch of a facial muscle, at other times with uneven, full-body jerks, showcasing his chilling control over the mutated creatures.
As the rules of survival constantly shift, it falls upon the blunt yet righteous biotechnology professor, Kwon Se-jeong, played by the captivating Jun Ji-hyun, to lead the disparate group. She endeavors to decipher the zombies’ patterns, discovering ingenious ways to outwit them and buy precious time for escape.
The film brilliantly utilizes the high-rise setting, transforming its various spaces into terrifying arenas for continuous zombie attacks. The crisis is further exacerbated by irritating characters and the bureaucratic incompetence of authorities, adding layers of frustration to the high-stakes survival ordeal.
Visually Stunning Zombie Choreography
As director Yeon Sang-ho noted in a Seoul press conference, the zombies themselves are undeniably the true stars of this blockbuster. Performed by talented modern dance groups, their inventive movements create a visual marvel. The meticulous choreography lends an almost artistic quality to their terrifying presence.
One particularly mesmerizing scene evokes the imagery of an ant mill – a deadly, spiraling formation where ants blindly circle to their demise. This sequence in “Colony” transforms into a captivating and chilling performance of modern dance, a testament to the film’s innovative approach to the zombie genre.
Star-Studded Cast and Emotional Depth
Despite a star-studded cast with a strong track record for solid acting and action performances, “Colony” offers limited opportunities for viewers to deeply connect with the characters’ inner lives. While the film hints at compelling bonds – such as the powerful connection between wheelchair-bound Hyun-hee (Kim Shin-rok) and her security guard brother, Hyun-seok (Ji Chang-wook) – and intersperses snippets of past memories, a deeper exploration of their motivations and choices might have added more emotional resonance.
Nevertheless, Ji Chang-wook delivers remarkable and emotionally charged combat scenes, adding significant impact to the action sequences.
“Colony” made its world premiere at the Midnight Screenings section of this year’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival, marking Yeon Sang-ho’s fourth invitation to the acclaimed cinematic event. The thrilling Korean zombie film hit local theaters on Thursday.
