This movie is the perfect embodiment of everything that is good and loveable about films and the art of making movies. Now, given that this statement is being made about a story with Zombie Nazis, it may sound a little overzealous or even unusual. However, that is precisely what makes this movie so charming. While the sub-genre of Zombie Nazis is not a brand new concept and this films abundant but tasteful use of violence and gore may turn some audiences away, there is no denying that amidst it all, this movie features a profound story, three dimensional & sympathetic characters, satisfactory action, and lots of good-for-nothing Nazis getting their butts handed to them. In these troubled times, this is precisely the kind of symbolic payback that we need. Made all the more enjoyable by the notion that the filmmakers took this simple truth to heart: Just because you don't "need" to do a good job, doesn't mean you shouldn't.
The story takes place the day before D-Day during World War II as a team of paratroopers are dropped into France on a mission to take down a radio tower to allow air support for the invasion. Once on the ground, the team meets up in the nearby village and tries to put together a plan of attack. However, things get complicated when the team discovers that the Nazis are hiding something beneath their headquarters. Something that they have found and weaponized allowing them to create an endless army of nightmare-inducing undead soldiers. Now the Americans must find a means of infiltrating the base so they might put an end to the Nazis inhumanity.
If this sounds like a ridiculous premise, well, that's because it is, and that's absolutely fine. The movie, rather enthusiastically, embraces the B-Movie nature of its plot and chooses to have fun with it. It's almost like a high-end exploitation movie but with a lot of polish in all the right places. Plus, they're taking down Nazis, what is there not to like about that?
Everyone in the cast does a remarkable job. Especially from the two leads Jovan Adepo and Wyatt Russel (the son of Kurt Russel and Goldie Hawn). Their chemistry is what sells the movie. A truly dynamic duo if ever there was one. Though, speaking personally, my favorite performance is from the leading lady, Mathilde Ollivier as Chloe. I loved her character, she was strong and independent without being overly assertive about it, she's intelligent, and she plays a significant role in taking down the bad guys. Her performance and her character are, unquestionably, worthy of the MVP award.
The film was directed by Julius Avery, a recently discovered director with mostly a few shorts to his name so far. While I would not go so far as to declare him my new favorite director, I am confident in saying that I very much look forward to whatever he has in store for us next. He has a good sense of proper storytelling, he has a keen eye for composition, and he knows how to do long takes well. Even better, he knows how to shoot adequate action scenes. In an age when action is shot with shaky cam and rapid fire editing (making it impossible to follow anything on the screen), Avery keeps his camera stable and controls his editing to fully feel the action. While these aspects of shooting action scenes are also influenced by the cinematographer and the editor, they still need direction from someone who knows what he's doing. Julius Avery is, at least for the moment, on the right path to establishing himself as a man with genuine talent. I hope he continues to get work.
Overlord is the kind of movie that we need more of. An entertaining, intelligent, silly, no-holds-bar thrill ride that could not have come at a better time in cinema history. It may not change your life, but if you don't mind the gore and the violence (both of which are indeed important to the plot and are used as tastefully as possible) then, by all means, go have fun. It may be a while before we get to see something like this again, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes
Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes
Why?
It's an edge-of-your-seat, over the top, fireworks show that you don't want to miss. It will have an effect on you the likes of which few movies in recent history have had. Don't miss it.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.
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