In ‘#Alive,’ characters combine their expertise for a chance to survive

It’s modern day in Seoul, and a regular one for Oh Jun-u. One day he wakes up, finds himself alone at home, and sees a note from his parents who have gone out and remind him to get groceries. This is fine with Jun-u, a gamer, who goes about his usual routine on his computer. His exciting day goes well until real-life, non-virtual zombies descend on their apartment complex, the news declares an outbreak, and his father calls to tell him he has to survive.

That’s the premise of “#Alive,” a new South Korean zombie thriller directed by Cho Il-hyung. Now on Netflix, the film features superstars Yoo Ah-in (“Burning,” “Veteran,” “Chicago Typewriter”) and Park Shin-hye (“The Heirs,” “Doctors,” “Memories of the Alhambra”).

Yoo Ah-in plays Oh Jun-u, the gamer and streamer who’s extremely adept at technology. He is analytical, strategic, and has the latest gadgets and the technical know-how.

Park Shin-hye plays Kim Yu-bin, whose character is portrayed as someone who likes the great outdoors. A traveler who’s into hiking and mountain climbing, she is equipped with complete traveling gear, preparedness, and the instinct for survival.

At some point, access to essentials is cut off at the apartment complex—food, water, telephones, internet—reducing even further whatever chances of survival the characters have left.

As the zombies attack the last of their neighbors, the two of them find out about the other’s existence by chance. Right then and there, they form a friendship and a vow to survive.

Working together and combining their expertise, both characters hatch plan after plan to outwit the hundreds of monsters that are after them.

Fortunately, these zombies don’t have a great sense of sight and smell. But they are great at hearing noises, and they move pretty fast.

“#Alive” keeps viewers on the edge of their seat until the final, final scene, and that’s what makes the movie exciting. It also has enough twists, drama, and a betrayal—that can drive viewers between hopelessness and redemption.

Most of the scenes take place inside the characters’ apartments at a middle-class building complex, so there is not a lot of scenic visuals to look at. But intelligent framing, editing, and musical scoring heighten the impact of each scene.

Proper accolades have to be given to the lead actors. They are not one of South Korea’s most prominent and awarded thespians for nothing.

Yoo Ah-in is nothing short of brilliant in his portrayal of a happy-go-lucky guy who suddenly feels the gravity of his situation. His teetering from anger and despair to hope in a matter of seconds is a pure joy to watch, and his performance alone elevates the film from the typical zombie flick.

Park Shin-hye shines as well, giving nuance to a seemingly cool girl who carries a deep pain within. She may look frail and dainty, but her acting gives justice to her character who’s full of grit, strength, and power.

Both actors have received acclaim for their intense and memorable performances in previous works.

Yoo Ah-in was named one of The New York Times’ “Best Actors of 2018” for “Burning” and best actor at Blue Dragon Film Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards for his other works in film and television.

Park Shin-hye also earned nods for “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” “The Heirs,” and “Doctors” at Baeksang Arts Awards. 

Viewers and zombie film fans will not be disappointed with “#Alive,” which is available on Netflix starting Sept. 8. – GMA News