Story: a zombie outbreak spreads around the world!  And then a second wave hits!  But the “Returned Protein” gives people hope.  Obtained from the spinal fluid of deceased returned, it’s a way to hold the zombifying disease at bay. But as the infected who are able to be treated increase, the serum starts to become harder and harder to come by.  And there are so many “Returned”….

Scares: not too many.  This is more of a thriller with a horrific backdrop than a flat-out horror film, regardless of the awesome poster.  That said, there are more than a few super-tense spots for adrenaline junkies.

Splat Factor: a few bits of gore and blood here and there.  Just enough to remind viewers that the infected do become zombies.  FYI, yada yada.

Closing scene “shocker”: more of a semi-surprise, but no silly “hah, gotcha!” moments.  Thank god.

Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul): totally unique.

Trick or Treat: An excellent story that uses the idea of “at bay” zombie-infected people as an AIDS/health scare allegory.  But The Returned is a damn good allegory, with a lot of touching scenes between the lead — a doctor who researches the disease — and her boyfriend, who happens to be Returned.

Don’t get me wrong, I was disappointed at first.  Then I began to think of this as a piece that uses zombies to look at human nature rather than human intestines. And I started to dig it.  Excellent performances by Emily Hampshire as Doc Kate and Kris Holden-Ried as boyfriend Alex don’t hurt either.  Since this is a Spanish/Canadian production most of the folks here you won’t know, but isn’t that the way with horror flicks?  One exception; Shawn Doyle from Big Love plays Alex’s BFF, who is rich as all heck and may provide a way for Alex and Kate to brave the unbrave new world.

The ending was fantastic, and I won’t use any other descriptives for fear of spoilerage.  Yeah, it’s not a scary-boo horror film, but it’s a helluva good story nonetheless.  Seek it out.

Score: 

4 out of 5 pumpkins.