"The Sadness": A Gripping and Gory Taiwanese Horror Film

"The Sadness" is a Taiwanese horror movie that is both emotionally draining and intensely shocking. Directed by Rob Jabbaz, a Canadian filmmaker working in Taiwan, this film is perfect for horror fans, especially in the third year of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an apocalyptic thriller that starts with a zombie-like viral outbreak and showcases impressive practical and visual effects.

Plot:

The story follows Jim (Berant Zhu) and Kat (Regina Lei), a couple trying to reunite after a sudden outbreak of the Alvin virus. This virus turns people into violent, zombie-like monsters who are driven to hurt others. As the city descends into chaos, Jim and Kat are separated and must navigate through the horrors to find each other.

Visuals and Effects:

The film’s standout feature is its realistic and gruesome visual effects. The makeup team and effects artists create terrifyingly realistic scenes of violence and horror. These effects set a grim, panic-filled mood throughout the movie.

Themes and Characters:

The infected in "The Sadness" are not your typical zombies. They run, curse, and threaten others, highlighting the darker side of human nature. The virus reveals how people react under extreme stress, showing their fight-or-flight responses.

Kat’s journey is particularly harrowing. She is pursued by a creepy businessman (Tzu-Chiang Wang) who turns into a monstrous villain after being infected. The virus doesn’t change people’s basic nature but amplifies their worst traits, making everyone a potential threat.

Structure and Pacing:

Jabbaz structures the movie with a fast-paced, relentless narrative. The film alternates between intense action scenes and disturbing character interactions, keeping viewers on edge. The plot is simple but effective, focusing on survival and the horrors of the viral outbreak.

Comparison to Other Works:

Fans of zombie and horror genres will notice similarities between "The Sadness" and other works like the comic series "Crossed" and classic horror films like David Cronenberg’s "Shivers" and George Romero’s "Dawn of the Dead." Like these works, "The Sadness" uses its monsters to explore deeper themes of human depravity and societal collapse.

Viewer Experience:

Watching "The Sadness" can be an overwhelming experience. The constant violence and grim atmosphere are not for the faint of heart. However, for horror enthusiasts, it’s a thrilling ride that pushes boundaries and challenges viewers’ sensibilities.

Final Thoughts:

"The Sadness" is a bold and brutal horror film that leaves a lasting impression. While it may not be deeply philosophical, it effectively channels the director’s anxieties and fears into a gripping narrative. Horror fans looking for a raw and intense experience will find much to appreciate in "The Sadness."