Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024) is a Spanish post-apocalyptic thriller directed by Carles Torrens, based on the popular novel by Manel Loureiro. The film follows Manel (Francisco Ortiz), an ordinary man whose life is shattered after losing his partner in a tragic accident. When a deadly virus begins turning people into violent, rabid creatures, he finds himself thrust into a fight for survival in a collapsing world. What sets this film apart from typical zombie tales is its emotional core, the focus on grief, isolation, and the will to live even when hope seems lost.
The movie’s opening act is strong, setting a grim and realistic tone. The early scenes depicting the outbreak are chilling, capturing the fear and chaos of a world unraveling. The cinematography enhances this tension beautifully, with abandoned streets, dark interiors, and haunting silences that evoke genuine dread. Francisco Ortiz delivers a compelling performance as Manel, portraying both vulnerability and resilience. His bond with his cat, Lúculo, surprisingly becomes one of the most touching parts of the story, offering glimpses of humanity amid despair.
However, as the film progresses, it begins to fall into familiar territory. The middle section drags slightly, relying on predictable tropes that longtime fans of the zombie genre will recognize, panic, mistrust, and the inevitable betrayal. While the infected are terrifying, the tension sometimes weakens due to repetitive encounters and an uneven pace. Some secondary characters also lack depth, making their deaths or decisions feel less impactful than they should.
Despite these flaws, Apocalypse Z excels in atmosphere and emotion. It doesn’t rely solely on gore or jump scares but instead focuses on human survival, moral choices, and the cost of loss. The use of minimal dialogue and visual storytelling helps maintain a bleak, realistic tone. The score complements the film’s mood perfectly, adding weight to moments of isolation and action alike. The film’s production values, especially for a Spanish-language Netflix/Prime-style release, are impressive and immersive.
In conclusion, Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End might not reinvent the zombie genre, but it stands out for its emotional depth and grounded realism. It’s a story about loss, love, and endurance as much as it is about survival against the undead. Fans of slow-burn apocalypse dramas like 28 Days Later or The Road will find plenty to appreciate. While predictable at times, it’s a solid and heartfelt entry in modern horror cinema.
Best lines and memorable quotes from Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024)
“We never surrendered. We always kept in our hearts the most noble, beautiful feeling that sets human beings apart: hope.”
“It’s official: we’re fucked.”
“Someone has opened the gates of hell, and you can feel the heat.”
“The world is no longer ours. It’s theirs. How long will this situation last?”
“I punched the glass, enraged. So close, yet so far. We were just a few inches from getting out of there. We could see the way out… and we were still trapped. Damn it to hell!”
“Fear travels faster than a dust cloud…and it’s already in the wind.”
“I’d just learned an important lesson. The undead weren’t the only things that could kill me. Accidents, disease, hunger—all the normal causes of death—were just lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance. If I weren’t careful, they’d catch me. I’d only been thinking about my stalkers. I’d forgotten something very basic: man is a fragile being.”
“Now these things know I’m here. But I’m alive. And if you’re alive, you can fight to live another day.”
“There’s an old military saying that a plan only works perfectly when you try it out on the enemy.”
“Tens of thousands of people died. Will thousands more die in the coming hours? You can bet your sweet ass I won’t be one of them.”
These lines capture the film’s mixture of despair, resilience and gritty realism during a zombie apocalypse.
