careyethomas Review of The Night Eats the World

The Night Eats the World (2018)

Spoilers but an alternate view of the movie

[4 January 2019]

So I just watched this movie and wanted to come here for a take on the ending. Then i had an epiphany. The whole "it is just a dream" thing may actually apply here. At first I thought it was a straight up zombie movie. But there were disparate pieces when you put them together indicate that it was about his relationship. Often times writers/directors want to make commentaries but wont get the viewers unless there is something that appeals to the masses. Think of District 9 as an example or Starship Troopers. But think back to the beginning of the movie. There is a reason for the whole broken relationship angle. The apartment itself and the elevator are symbols of Sam being trapped within his feelings. He is reluctant to escape and move on. Then think of his constant attempts at "suicide" with attracting the zombies. He didnt have to lure them back continually but he did because parts of a person wants to die after a breakup. Remember his rant with Alfred? He was talking about being alone and the actor conveyed that hurt appropriately. Finally, the girl he meets represents opportunity. He shoots her down because he doesnt want anyone else. But in his dream within a dream, he realizes that he does have to move on. He tells her that she is right and has been right all along. He cant stay trapped in the memories of the breakup. He releases the inner him that is trapped in the elevator. Sam could choose to accept his fate once he is trapped in the elevator instead. But he doesnt...he escapes. He does want to live/love again. He is willing to take a leap of faith literally figuratively. At the end he realizes that he has moved on to the next building/relationship. However, they all are the same as he looks out to his future with the same pitfalls. Is he willing to love again and move from building to building? The writer/director leaves that up to the viewer. The road is rough and we dont know if he can or is willing to do it.