Mutants (2009)

Let the debate begin... again... are virus "zombies" really zombies?  It's a debate that never subsides.  Arguments are valid on both sides and you, our readers, are charmingly opinionated on the subject.

But, before you click that satisfying "Send" button you consider the summary on Netflix for Mutants:

"With an unstoppable virus turning the populace into violent zombies, Sonia (Hélène de Fougerolles) and her husband, Marco (Francis Renaud), scramble for safety. When Marco becomes infected, Sonia stands by his side and desperately searches for a way to prevent his mutation. But as Marco slowly transforms into one of the mutants, Sonia begins to fear for her life -- and for the future of their unborn child."

I can already hear it, "Netflix doesn't know what the fuck their talking about".  Fair enough. I'm not going to disagree.

IMDB didn't provide a synopsis so I did a search and found Yahoo Movies said:

"A young couple is caught in the midst of a viral outbreak that transforms the nation into a swarm of bloodthirsty mutants"

No mention of zombies there.  Maybe they're right.    I decided to see what Bloody Disgusting (ahem) had to say:

"...this is a zombie movie and if we have learned one thing from zombie films, falling in love, being in love, or loving almost anything will not end well."

Third time's a charm, right?  Good enough.

So, how is Mutants?  Well, it's not bad.

Like 28 Days Later, a virus has infected the population leaving a small few to seek refuge wherever possible.  Mutants also heavily relies on the "shaky cam" style of action sequences to build tension.  There is plenty of CGI splatter to go around.  But Mutants is more than a French remake of 28 Days Later. A majority of the movie is a tragic drama as we watch a couple, desperate for an answer, struggle as they face their seemingly inevitable fate. And it is the dramatic elements of the movie that work best due to effective pacing mixed and excellent performances by the two leads.  Mutants does not ignore the psychological anguish of it's circumstances.  As time runs out, the tension of Sonia And Marco's situation grows. 

Once the zombie apocalypse is re-introduced in the film,  mediocrity comes with it.  It's not that the action sequences are poorly directed or suffering from budget constraints.  Rather, we've seen it before.  One bad move leads to another and soon the horde is at your door. It's sad to say, but it might be time to call this zombie plot "totally exhausted".

Mutants may get a bad rap for borrowing too much from it's counterparts but when left to it's own devices, it is surprisingly effective and emotional.