About a Zombie

About a Zombie (also known as Portrait of a Zombie) is a 2012 Irish horror-comedy film that combines the genres of horror, comedy, family drama, and social commentary in an engaging and inventive way. The film stars Patrick Murphy, Geraldine McAlinden, and Rory Mullen and is directed by Bing Bailey.

The movie begins in an unusual fashion, boldly charting a narrative course that few of its precursors have dared to explore. Stripped of the usual fundamental zombie apocalyptic scenario, the movie takes place in a community in the outskirts of Dublin where a single case of an apparent zombie infection is isolated.

Patrick Murphy plays Billy, the titular "Zombie", who was once an everyday lad until an unfortunate series of events led to his unusual metamorphosis. As Billy slowly succumbs to this terrifying affliction, his family wrestles with a significant moral and emotional dilemma – should they release him to the authorities or uphold their family bond even when faced with danger?

Geraldine McAlinden, who plays the matriarch of the family, delivers a powerful performance as she grapples with Billy's transformation. She strives to hold the family together, dealing with her internal conflict and the relentless pressure from the terrifying reality. Rory Mullen's character, however, makes the situation more complicated as he has his own vested interests and questionable motives.

The movie doesn't shy away from gruesome scenes that zombie film aficionados come to expect from the genre. However, it also doesn't forget to inject some good Irish humor into its script, making the film a standout in the zombie genre and providing several laugh-out-loud moments.

But the film makes its primary impact as a commentary on the social issues of our time. It highlights the importance of family, the power of social dynamics, and the psychological and emotional walls individuals build when faced with fear of the unknown. It also expertly weaves in themes of media influence and societal judgment during crisis periods. The role of documentary filmmakers in the movie, for instance, documenting Billy's condition and its impact, shapes a pivotal element that simultaneously examines the role of media and contributes to the plot's progression.

About a Zombie is highly unique in its perspective as it humanizes a character usually dehumanized in similar zombie-apocalypse-themed films. This humanization allows viewers to sympathize with Billy's predicament and his family's dire situation. We attach emotionally to them, making their struggles and dilemmas more poignant. The film also constructs a comparison of horror — the horror of a loved one becoming a zombie against the horror of societal judgment and pressure.

Technically, the film is robust, the cinematography's gritty feel adding to the tension and horror elements of the film. The director, Bing Bailey, uses multiple shot techniques, like handheld camera work, which gives the movie an intimate, almost voyeuristic feel. The special effects and makeup work in the film are effectively chilling and realistic, marking the horror in the characters' transformations.

Ultimately, About a Zombie is a unique take on the zombie genre, with a mix of horror, comedy, and social commentary. It is an engaging study of a family's dynamic when faced with the unimaginable, as well as a commentary on societal norms and the media's influence. It's an unpredictable, touching, and entertaining film that's definitely worth the watch for any fans of the zombie genre, or anyone looking for something different within the horror-comedy frame. It succeeds in delivering those moments of terror that zombie movie enthusiasts crave, but it also makes you think about the true nature of horror and the fragility of human relationships under supernatural strain.