Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

A group of Korean celebrities finds themselves amidst a dating-themed reality show shoot when a contestant unexpectedly bites another individual. The realization hits like a chilling wave – a deadly virus outbreak has transformed into a full-blown zombie apocalypse.

The 2023 series, “Zombieverse,” adopts an unscripted survival show format, as a select group navigates the treacherous streets of Zombie-infested Seoul, tailed by unobtrusive cameras. Yet, it’s a carefully crafted script brought to life by the creative minds of Jordan Rubin, Jon Kaplan, and Al Kaplan. Familiar faces like Lee Si-young, Na Rae Park, DinDin, Hong-chul Noh, Tsuki Tsuki, and Hong-Chul Ro play themselves in this comedic yet mildly harrowing escapade to outlive the undead onslaught.

The artistic team responsible for the hit Netflix zombie sensation “All Of Us Are Dead” lends their expertise to “Zombieverse,” ensuring the ghastly undead appearances are on point. Occasionally, the extras portraying zombies inadvertently break character and gaze into the lens with human-like curiosity. Nevertheless, the debut episode establishes the premise well, kicking off with the calamitous aftermath of the “dating show gone awry,” compelling a bunch of celebrities to unite against the odds. Spanning eight gripping episodes, each installment centers on different quests, driving the narrative forward.

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Episode 2 introduces fresh faces, including YouTubers and Congolese-Korean siblings Patricia and Jonathan, Urologist Hong Seong Woo, Baseball player Yoo Hee-Kwan, and the enigmatic Dex. They soon become part of core survival squad, who they meet at a supermarket during an attempt to secure survival supplies. Episode 3 delves into the group’s strategy to scavenge supplies while evading danger and plotting their escape from the infested supermarket. Following familiar zombie genre conventions akin to films like “Train to Busan” and “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead,” “Zombieverse” unveils the survivors’ realization that sound sensitivity can be exploited against the undead.

The show maintains an upbeat tone throughout the initial four episodes, peppered with amusing character interactions. However, a shift towards darker themes occurs in episode 5, as the survivors seek refuge in a seemingly secure town rife with ominous secrets. The tone transforms to reflect elements from more serious zombie narratives like “The Walking Dead,” introducing malevolent leaders, grisly scenes, and acts of treachery. Despite this tonal shift, the plot and pacing subsequently waver, descending into monotony.

The creators might have better served the series by condensing it to six episodes, rather than elongating the storyline with multiple character-focused video-log segments that ultimately prove superfluous. The concluding episode offers moments of genuine amusement, unfolding within a vibrant seaside theme park. A Russian Roulette-inspired game adds intrigue as remaining survivors occupy a Ferris Wheel, haunted by an assailant below baying for their blood. The suspense is gripping, though its duration borders on tedium. The series culminates in a comical twist, even delivering two of them. One manages to engage, while the other disappoints.

Since the creators try to do something slightly new with “Zombieverse”, brownie points to them for the whole reality tv show like setting. But this series could’ve been shorter and better.

Rating – 6/10

You can stream “Zombieverse” on Netflix.

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