Stereotypes and Cliches in Zombie Movies: A Rant on What Needs to Change
Zombie movies have been a fan-favourite genre for decades, drawing massive crowds with their mix of suspense, gore, and apocalyptic survival themes. As a lifelong fan of these films, I’ve seen it all from iconic classics like Night of the Living Dead to the latest Netflix series. But despite my deep love for zombie cinema, there are some frustrating, overused tropes that just refuse to die (pun intended). If you’ve watched your fair share of zombie flicks, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Let’s dive into the repetitive clichés, broken logic, and why it’s time for the zombie genre to evolve.
The Unforgivable “Knocked Down by a Zombie” Scene
You’ve seen this scene a hundred times. The hero, or sometimes the expendable side character, is walking along cautiously. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a zombie lunges at them, knocking them to the ground. And thus begins the slow-motion struggle as the zombie inches closer, trying to sink its teeth into their neck. Sound familiar? That’s because this scene happens in almost every zombie movie or show.
It’s always a 50/50 scenario either the character gets miraculously saved at the last minute by another survivor, or they succumb to the bite, only to be killed off in a dramatic fashion two episodes later. It’s one of those scenes where you can practically predict what’s going to happen next, and it’s become incredibly stale.
Why do we keep seeing this? Because it’s an easy way to create suspense. But come on, can’t we think of a more creative way to generate tension? I mean, do zombies always have to wrestle people to the ground in a conveniently dramatic fashion? It’s a cheap trick that feels like lazy storytelling. There are far more clever ways to ramp up the stakes without relying on the same, overused trope.
Zombie Ambushes: How Are They So Stealthy?
Let’s talk about another classic: the zombie ambush from behind. Picture this: our group of survivors is carefully navigating an abandoned building or forest, cautiously looking around every corner. Suddenly, BAM! A zombie grabs someone from behind, seemingly appearing out of thin air.
Here’s the issue with that: zombies are not ninjas. They are slow, clumsy, and moan loudly like a busted air conditioner. Yet somehow, the characters are always caught off guard by a lone zombie sneaking up on them. You’re telling me that no one hears the heavy breathing, guttural groans, or even the shuffling of footsteps behind them?
These ambushes often feel like plot devices to thin out the group, not logical occurrences. It would make more sense if the ambushes came from large hordes, where the chaos and sheer volume of zombies could overwhelm someone. But when a single zombie manages to sneak up on a supposedly battle-hardened survivor, it breaks the immersion. It feels like the characters have temporarily lost all their survival instincts, just to serve the plot.
The Inevitably Clueless Group Member
Ah yes, the group idiot. This character is essential to every zombie movie. You know the type the person who forgets to close the door behind them, accidentally fires a gun at the wrong moment, or ignores the repeated warnings to “aim for the head.” Without fail, this individual makes the kind of reckless decisions that inevitably lead to their demise (or worse, someone else’s).
Why is there always a dumbass in the group? It’s become a cliche to the point of absurdity. Sure, in a survival scenario, not everyone would be perfectly rational under pressure. But the level of incompetence shown by some of these characters borders on unbelievable. I get it, these moments are designed to add tension and drama, but they often come off as contrived. Realistically, in a life-or-death situation, most people would at least learn the basics of survival fairly quickly.
Why We Keep Watching (Despite the Flaws)
So, why do we keep coming back for more? Even though the same frustrating clichés appear in every other zombie movie, I like many other fans can’t help but watch. There’s something compelling about the genre that keeps us hooked, even when we’re rolling our eyes at the familiar scenes.
Perhaps it’s the thrill of watching people try to survive against impossible odds. Maybe it’s the primal fear of the undead, tapping into deep-seated anxieties about mortality and societal collapse. Or it could be the simple fact that, despite their flaws, zombie movies are still fun. The combination of action, suspense, and horror creates an adrenaline rush that’s hard to replicate in other genres.
The Bigger Problem: Lack of Innovation
But here’s the real issue: the genre is stagnating. The same storylines, characters, and tropes are recycled again and again, with little effort to introduce fresh ideas. Even when new zombie content is released, it often feels like a mash-up of previous films, just with a new coat of paint.
Take World War Z, for example. While it tried to break away from the traditional slow-moving zombies by introducing fast, agile ones, the core elements of the plot were still largely predictable. The same can be said for shows like The Walking Dead, which started strong but eventually became bogged down by repetitive story arcs and character decisions.
If the zombie genre is to survive (pun intended), it needs a serious injection of originality. Filmmakers need to think outside the box, not just in terms of how zombies are depicted, but also in the way survivors interact with their environment, each other, and the undead.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Cliché
So, what would a truly innovative zombie movie look like? Let’s brainstorm some ideas:
- Survivors with Smarts: How about a group of survivors who actually make intelligent, rational decisions? They use tactics, work together, and don’t constantly fall for the same traps. It would be refreshing to watch a movie where the characters’ survival feels earned rather than the result of plot Armor.
- A Different Setting: Most zombie movies take place in urban environments or desolate wastelands. Why not change it up? How about a zombie outbreak in a futuristic, space-faring society? Or even better, a period piece set during a time like the Wild West or the Victorian era? Changing the setting would open up new possibilities for unique survival strategies and interactions with the undead.
- Zombies with a Twist: We’ve seen fast zombies, slow zombies, and even smart zombies. But what about zombies that evolve over time, becoming more dangerous as the movie progresses? Or what if the outbreak wasn’t caused by a virus, but something more supernatural or even alien? The possibilities are endless.
- Focus on the Human Element: Instead of using zombies as mere plot devices, movies could explore deeper themes, such as the breakdown of society or the morality of survival. By placing a stronger emphasis on character development and emotional depth, filmmakers could create a zombie movie that resonates on a more profound level.
The Genre Deserves Better
Zombie movies, for all their flaws, still have a place in the hearts of horror fans. But the genre is at a crossroads. It can either continue down the path of predictable clichés, or it can evolve into something new and exciting. As audiences, we’re ready for the latter.
We crave stories that challenge our expectations, characters who feel real and relatable, and zombies that present fresh, terrifying threats. The time has come for filmmakers to push the boundaries of the genre and create zombie movies that aren’t just entertaining, but thought-provoking and original.
Until then, I’ll keep watching, but with a growing sense of deja vu. It’s time for the zombie genre to rise from the dead in more ways than one.
