Ever After

Ever After (aka Endzeit) is a compelling post-apocalyptic tale that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2018. Gorgeous cinematography and engrossing performances make this German movie, directed by Carolina Hellsgård, a unique breed of zombie film that focuses more on the human spirit and our relationship with nature, rather than piling on the frights and gore typical of its genre.

In the lead roles, Gro Swantje Kohlhof and Maja Lehrer deliver intense performances. Kohlhof stars as Vivi, a young woman tortured by her past, while Lehrer portrays Eva, a battle-hardened survivor with an unyielding will to live. Vivi and Eva's paths intersect by chance in their desperate journey to a zombie-free sanctuary known as the city of Jena. As they navigate the treacherous landscapes together, they form an unlikely but heartfelt bond — an intimate portrayal of friendship and shared sorrow in the bleakest of circumstances.

Casting the efficient Trine Dyrholm in a surprising role, the film demonstrates that it’s not the action-filled, adrenaline-fueled zombie chase many may expect. Instead, it seeks to explore the nature of human empathy and the power of personal redemption set against a backdrop of imminent danger and devastating calamity.

Profoundly meditative and philosophical, Ever After takes a tantalising swing at a tale of existential horror. The film does not shy away from moments of stark, unsettling tension, but it claws through the grimness and violence to reveal a strangely serene and beautiful world, showcasing its dystopian landscape through striking visuals. The post-apocalyptic wasteland offers an expansive stage for the characters' travails and this grim but stunning environment feels like a character itself, vital to unfolding the narrative's staggering emotional depth.

At first glance, Ever After's focus on two differing personalities is reminiscent of the dynamic seen in classic road trip films. But, rather than delivering an upbeat trail adventure, the movie delves into the psyches of its leads to reveal their intertwined souls. Gro Swantje Kohlhof’s Vivi is an emotionally injured character, carrying a haunting past that keeps her in a state of perpetual vulnerability. On the flip side, we have Maja Lehrer’s Eva, the more stoic and hardened character, who manages to retain a speck of hope amidst the bloodshed. The potential humanness of the 'zombies' is a fading line in the sand, slowly blurring as the film progresses, leading to thoughtful, though not outright, discussions on the nature of identity and worth in a post-societal world.

The narrative's appeal lies not just in the horror factor, but in the film's meticulously-crafted character developments and introspective themes. The exploration of the traumatic past of the leads, their burgeoning friendship, and their struggle to hold onto their humanity in a world filled with monstrous adversity, forms the crux of the narrative. It's a heart-rending saga of survival and redemption that succinctly captures human frailty while displaying the indomitable spirit of life amidst inhuman adversity.

The serene pace of the storytelling allows the audience to fully comprehend the depths of despair and glimmers of hope in this bleak world. The narrative takes its time to unfurl, pulling its audience into its heart in a way few films of its genre ever do. The visual storytelling throughout the film is hauntingly beautiful, with every scene meticulously composed to the point where it exudes a truly ethereal quality.

What sets Ever After apart from the generic zombie movie is its infusion of mysticism and the fantastic. This is not a simple horror movie. It's a deep dive into human nature and the ability to find beauty and hope where life and prospects are almost nullified. It's a testament to latent human goodness and the resilience and transformation of nature even in the most dire circumstances.

In its entirety, Ever After is a haunting exploration of humanity and a thoroughly engrossing horror drama. The performances across the board are solid, but it is Kohlhof and Lehrer who carries the weight of the narrative on their capable shoulders. Taking a fresh approach to the zombie genre by focusing more on the human element than the horror, Ever After provides a deep and introspective dive into a world ravaged but clawing back through hope and metamorphosis. It is a visually stunning, thought-provoking piece that takes an unflinching look at our humanity.

In conclusion, Ever After may not be your typical zombie movie. Instead, it's a moving and philosophical exploration of human relationship, resilience, and redemption—all set within an eerie, post-apocalyptic world. Hellsgård offers viewers a unique blend grafted from horror, drama, and post-human philosophy that is both haunting and strangely beautiful, just like the uncanny world it depicts.