Film: Warm Bodies

A different sort of love story, Warm Bodies finds R eating the brains of Julie's boyfriend and then falling in love with her, her love making him feel more human. Incorrectly advertised as if it's the new Twilight, Warm Bodies couldn't be farther off.

A great adaptation of the novel, this film makes the romance between R and Julie feel genuine; more so than most romantic comedies out there to be perfectly honest. It's not very often I like narration but it is well used here, giving you a much needed insight in to the quiet (because of his zombie condition) R. It serves to show just how human he is, his complete lack of social skills reminiscent of many people's teenage years. His internal monologue repeating "don't be creepy!" is particularly familiar. Sensibly the film decides to cut out the first few chapters, which basically establish the monotony of R's existence. This is established in a few short scenes before we are thrust in to the heart of the story.

Nicholas Hoult is not an actor I'm a big fan of but he brings a genuine warmth to R even when he's just grunting "keep... you... safe!" at his leading lady. Teresa Palmer is also great as Julie, the way she slowly starts to develop feelings for R confusing even herself is very well handled, it doesn't feel rushed or false. The two of them basically carry the film, and without their strong portrayals the whole thing would have collapsed.

The supporting cast are all very good although they get less to do. John Malkovich is a bit of a stereotypical character in zombie films, the hardened commander who can't see past the horrific zombie exterior. However he is less harsh than in the novel. Analeigh Tipton and Rob Corddry act as best friends to the lovers, siding with them as they realise something is changing inside the zombie population. Corddry does a great deal with very few lines, one scene of him staring at a picture of a couple holding hands hits all the right notes with about 2 lines said. Tipton only gets a few scenes to establish her character but also does a great job, you get a real sense she would do anything to help Julie; and by extension R.

Jonathan Levine does a fantastic job directing, bringing life to the apocalyptic landscape. Scenes of cars crashed on the roads and destroyed buildings are interspersed within the romantic scenes, reminding you of the horrible world they live in. The decision to shoot the scenes of the zombies remembering their human lives in a sepia tone was a good one, giving them a nostalgic feel. The image of R's heart beating again is incredibly effective.

The true villains, the bonies, zombies who have rejected the last remnants of their humanity and become walking skeletons as a result, are very effective. In a change from the book they aren't portrayed as the leaders of the zombies per se, being seen more as another species one to be feared by everyone, human and zombie alike. Their image is creepy and even their stares are terrifying. You really get a feeling even the zombies are terrified of them, as they won't even look them in the eyeholes.

One of the best romance films I have seen in years, don't write it off as another Twilight.