We’re coming up on Valentine’s Day, and while many will reach for chocolates, roses, or sappy romantic comedies, there’s a different kind of love story waiting for those who crave something a little darker, a little wilder.
If you're a Walking Dead fan, you're likely looking forward to watching something that has zombies in it but still manages to warm your heart. Well, we have just the movie for you! It's not a brand-new film, but it's a story that has earned a special place in the hearts of fans who love their undead with a side of humor, tenderness, and surprisingly heartfelt romance.
Perhaps you've heard of Warm Bodies? This Valentine's Day, you should either revisit this movie or experience it for the first time. It's the perfect film to watch if you want a story that balances the thrills and chills of a zombie apocalypse with the warmth, awkwardness, and sweetness of a love story that’s unconventional.
Take a look at the official trailer below for Warm Bodies, and you'll see why this film has won over fans of the undead!
So, what exactly is Warm Bodies about? First off, it's based on the 2010 novel of the same name by Isaac Marion. In addition, it was directed and written by Jonathan Levine. It's a 2013 zombie horror rom-com that takes a surprisingly tender look at life after the apocalypse. Well, sort of. The story follows R, a zombie who spends his days wandering an abandoned airport, moaning with the rest of his undead crew.
But R is different from the other zombies. He’s introspective, curious, and, believe it or not, lonely. When he encounters Julie, a smart, brave human girl trying to survive outside her walled-in enclave, his world is turned upside down. At first, Julie is terrified. After all, R is a zombie. But there’s something different about him.
He doesn’t attack her, nor does he lunge like the others. Instead, he protects her and even starts to communicate in his own stilted, humorous way. As they spend more time together, Julie begins to see glimpses of the humanity still flickering inside him, and R discovers emotions he thought were long gone. But their love story soon faces challenges with the outside world constantly reminding them that their connection is anything but normal, and a skeletal zombie crew lurking as a terrifying threat.
Nicholas Hoult brings R to life or un-life, while Teresa Palmer shines as Julie. Both deliver outstanding performances that make you believe in a romance that shouldn’t exist, but somehow does. Also in the cast are other talented actors such as Rob Corddry, Dave Franco, Lio Tipton, Cory Hardrict, and John Malkovich.
Overall, Warm Bodies is a brilliantly unique film that manages to mix horror, comedy, and romance into a story that is as touching as it is entertaining. It’s a movie that flips the traditional zombie narrative on its head, showing that even in a world overrun by the undead, love, hope, and human connection can survive and even thrive. For fans of The Walking Dead, Warm Bodies is the perfect movie to watch for Valentine’s Day and you'll be glad you gave it a chance!
Warm Bodies can be streamed on MovieSphere+ or rented or purchased via digital platforms.