Lazarus: Day of the Living Dead

Lazarus: Day of the Living Dead, a film directed by Thomas J. Churchill, places its audience squarely in the heart of the 1950s universe, filled with guts and glamour, but with an eerie, horrifying twist. Released in 2014, with the showcase-worthy performances by Natalie Victoria, Ray Capuana, and Kevin Eugene Franklin, the movie presents an impeccable blend of crime, horror, and mystery.

The plot commences with the life of seasoned police detective, Lazarus (played by Ray Capuana), whose life is on a downward spiral after years of service dedicated to tracking and putting away some of the most feared criminals. His career hardships compounded with personal miseries, with his wife committing suicide over an unsolved murder case, makes for a compelling backstory.

Natalie Victoria plays the role of a sophisticated news reporter, Ruth, who's relentless and fiercely independent. She's got a nose for news and always arrives at the crime scene or hot scoop even before the police.

Finally, Kevin Eugene Franklin dons the character of the sinister pharmaceutical magnate and crime lord, Mr. Simms. His corporate empire is his façade that conceals his activities in the world of crime, drugs, and other illegal businesses.

The trio comes together when Lazarus is assigned to investigate a unique case of bizarre deaths, where victims appear to rise from the dead. These resurrected beings leave a trail of gruesome and inexplicable murders, instilling fear and chaos amongst the citizens. The film then takes on the tone of a chilling murder mystery, where the detective's pursuit of truth unveils harrowing revelations about the pharmaceutical empire run by Mr. Simms. Simultaneously, Ruth's independent investigations make her cross paths with Lazarus, leading to an unexpected partnership.

The narrative is enriched by a smoky atmosphere reminiscent of early noir films. The director Churchill's meticulous attention to the period details of the 1950s is impressive, from the antique cars and clothing to the vintage settings of diners and offices. Backed by an eerie soundtrack, the film maintains tension throughout, while the special effects, predominantly used to depict the undead aspect, are engaging without being overwhelmingly gruesome.

Lazarus: Day of the Living Dead is not just a horror or zombie movie; it's also a well-crafted crime thriller. It remains unique in its hybrid genre by smoothly intermingling the horrifying concept of the living dead with a complex crime plotline. Simultaneously, it poses a commentary on corporate greed and corruption, making it more thought-provoking than a traditional horror film.

The actors deliver compelling performances with Capuana portraying the disgraced, hopeless detective caught between his sense of duty and personal tragedy. Victoria's portrayal of Ruth adds a strong female protagonist to the narrative who is unyielding and audacious. Franklin's performance as Mr. Simms adds a chilling presence to the overall suspense and gloom of the atmosphere.

Although the narrative is filled with uncanny events, the film does an excellent job of grounding the story. It captures the essence of humanity flawlessly amidst supernatural activities and keeps the audience engaged with questions about morality, responsibility, and survival.

Overall, Lazarus: Day of the Living Dead is a riveting watch for the lovers of suspense, horror, and crime, with added dimensions of psychological and corporate drama. Its neo-noir aesthetic combined with the thrilling narrative and top-notch performances create an intriguing cinematic offering that surely leaves its viewers on the edge of their seats.