Watch RISE OF THE ZOMBIE

RISE OF THE ZOMBIE is a horror movie about a wildlife photographer named Neil Parker, played by Luke Kenny, who travels to the depths of the Indian jungle to find inspiration for his new project. However, his trip turns into a nightmare when he gets bitten by a strange insect and becomes infested with a deadly virus that turns him into a zombie.

This is one of the rare zombie movies where the protagonist becomes a zombie, rather than trying to fight them off. The story is not only about the physical transformation but the psychological one as well. Neil is constantly battling with his own conscience, trying to control his violent impulses and overcome the urge to feed on human flesh.

The movie is set in the scenic forests of India and the breathtaking cinematography captures the beauty of the place brilliantly. The lush greenery, serene waterfalls, and the sound of wildlife serve as an eerie contrast to the chaos and destruction that ensues. The ominous background score only adds to the suspense and terror.

The movie revolves around Neil's search for a cure for his condition. He seeks the help of a local doctor, played by Ashwin Mushran, and a fellow photographer, played by Kirti Kulhari. Neil's relationships with these two characters are well developed and their dynamic adds to the emotional depth of the movie. The doctor, though skeptical of the existence of zombies at first, genuinely wants to help Neil and is shown to be a kind-hearted person. The photographer, on the other hand, shares a bitter history with Neil and harbors resentment towards him. Her character arc is noteworthy, as she goes from holding a grudge to empathizing with Neil and finally fighting alongside him.

The movie also explores how the virus spreads and affects different people. It touched upon topics like social inequality, superstition, and the fear of the unknown. There are instances where people refuse to help Neil, mistaking him for a dangerous animal, and parts where they misinterpret his situation as a result of evil spirits. These themes add depth to the plot and make it more relatable.

The makeup and special effects used to create the zombies are commendable. The zombies are neither over the top nor unrealistic, and the makeup is well done, creating a disturbing and gruesome effect. The movie maintains a steady pace and contains enough jump scares and action sequences to keep the audience engaged.

One of the drawbacks of the movie is that the plot is not entirely original. It follows the typical zombie genre tropes, and at times, the audience can predict what's coming next. However, the characters and their emotional journeys make up for it, and the movie stands on its own as a solid horror entertainer.

RISE OF THE ZOMBIE is not for the faint-hearted. The scenes are gory, and the violence is vividly depicted. The ending is unpredictable and leaves some questions unanswered, which the audience may or may not find satisfying. Overall, the movie is an excellent addition to the zombie genre and is worth watching for its unique take on the concept of the protagonist turning into a zombie.