Zombie Apocalypse | 2011
Zombie Apocalypse is a 2011 American zombie horror film produced by Syfy and The Asylum, starring Ving Rhames, Gary Weeks, Johnny Pacar, Robert Blanc, Anya Monzikova, Leslie-Ann Brandt, and Taryn Manning. Directed by Nick Lyon, it premiered on the Syfy channel on October 29, 2011, and was released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 27, 2011.
The film begins with a flashback to six months earlier. In June 2011, a virus called VM2 is discovered in a French woman. Within 28 days, 83% of the European population becomes infected. The virus spreads to Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, turning into a global pandemic. Six months later, the zombie virus wipes out 90% of the American population.
Currently, three survivors leave their cabin to search for food and other survivors in a small town. Ramona (Taryn Manning), Billy (Eddie Stipels), and Kevin (Gerald Webb) are rummaging through an auto repair shop when they are attacked by a horde of zombies. Kevin is bitten, and another survivor group led by Henry (Ving Rhames), Julian (Johnny Pacar), Kathy (Leslie-Ann Brandt), and Mac (Gary Weeks) intervenes to stop the zombies. Kevin, before becoming a zombie, is put down by Kathy. The group decides to move together, and Mac reveals that they are heading to Catalina Island, which is rumored to be a survivor camp.
The group loots a strip mall for shoes and protective gear. They are attacked by "runner" zombies, and after killing the runners, they escape into the back of a store. That night, they take refuge in a diner and share dinner. The next day, they head to a high school "safe zone," but find it abandoned, with bodies scattered and no survivors. While searching the gym, zombies break through several doors, causing chaos. Ramona is separated from the group, and Billy is bitten. The group finds Ramona in the showers and informs her about Billy's fate.
After leaving the school, the group passes through a small town and discovers a house on fire. When Mac is nearly caught by zombies, an archer saves him, introducing himself as Myra, Brockton (Robert Blanc), and Sarah (Anya Monzikova). They discuss their plans to take a ferry to Catalina. Mac wants to return to rescue Henry and Kathy, but Brockton disagrees. They decide to stick to their original path, hoping everyone will reunite.
The next day, the group moves through a city, and Julian stops to use a portable toilet, where they encounter a zombie. They are surrounded by zombies and, in the chaos, Julian is bitten. The group hides in a van, and Julian reveals his bite to Mac. He suggests sacrificing himself to distract the zombies, but before he can transform, the group overpowers him, and Mac kills him.
Meanwhile, Henry and Kathy travel alone toward the ferry terminal. They decide to stay on the original path, knowing others will be heading that way. They come across an abandoned military base and collect grenades. Kathy uses the grenades to take out the zombies chasing them, which distracts the zombies around the other group. They take the opportunity to escape and head in the opposite direction. The explosion attracts more zombies to Henry and Kathy, who get trapped on a rooftop. From there, they spot Mac and the others on a nearby rooftop. Henry and Kathy manage to escape and rejoin the group. The united group is then chased along the streets toward the ferry terminal. Upon reaching the terminal, they find signs for the ferry, isolation instructions, food, and water. They also find the body of a fresh victim. Just then, two infected tigers attack. Brockton is killed, and Henry is bitten. Henry asks Kathy to end his life, which she does. In the final scene, the survivors wait for the ferry, and Mac writes in Julian's journal. The ferry approaches, and the horn blows.
Zombie Apocalypse premiered on Syfy on October 29, 2011, and was released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 27, 2011.
The film received largely negative reviews. Critics described it as a "typical Syfy low-budget movie" and criticized its special effects and plot. However, some viewers appreciated the "intense action and suspense," with a few noting that it was a "fun and thrilling zombie flick" despite its flaws.
