Denise Watson (Anita Skinner) is the miraculous survivor of a plane crash that kills all the other passengers on board. After being released from the hospital, she begins seeing what appear to be the recently deceased. Her mental stability comes into question as more people around her begin to die; Everywhere she turns the undead are watching and waiting for death to claim it's elusive victim.
Director Thom Eberhardt (Night of the Comet) crafted this seldom seen creep-fest with heavy emphasis on atmosphere. He creates a unsettling feeling through the use of his camera and the aid of a tremendously creepy score by David F. Anthony. The film builds to a shocking climax that, although inevitable, is still surprising in its execution; It's a nice twist that you probably won't see coming. This film is a slow burner that subtly gets under your skin, and stays there.
The way the living dead are handled here is really different from how you would normally see them. They're not back to feed on the living, but to bring one of the living back to their world. The fact that they have targeted Denise is also unique. Aside from the crash scenes, there's very little gore to speak of. The best effects here are done mostly through camerawork. The shots of the zombies standing practically motionless, staring blankly, will definitely induce a few shivers. The lack of gore would have killed most undead films, but that's what sets this one apart; it doesn't have to revert to that.
Anita Skinner is solid in the role of Denise. After first chalking her survival up to merely luck, she begins to have strong feelings of paranoia. Is this all in her mind, or are the living dead really here to claim her? She handles the situations she is put in splendidly. Kurt Johnson plays the doctor/love interest Brian Richardson. He seems to be genuinely concerned about Denise and her mental state. Caren Larkey is also good as the washed up actress with psychic inclinations. She tries to warn Denise throughout the movie, but no one believes her because she is an alcoholic.
The makers of the Final Destination series owe a nod of thanks to this one. It's literally the same plot without the hyper glossy gore effects. I'm not knocking the Final Destination films; they're entertaining. This just happens to be one of those cases where the low budget, original, concept works on a much higher level than the films that follow in its undead footsteps.
Directed By: Thom Eberhardt
Starring: Anita Skinner, Kurt Johnson, Robin Davidson, Caren Larkey
Released By: Code Red
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with Caren Larkey, producer Sal Romeo, Jeff McKay and Jeff Burr.
- Interviews with Caren Larkey and Sal Romeo.
- Trailers
- Liner Notes by Stephen Thrower
