'The Collapsed' Puts Needed Twist on Survival Horror Movies

Survival horror has made for a successful genre in horror movies for many years. Ever since "Night of the Living Dead" and "The Last Man on Earth" were first seen on screens, the focus on how we deal with a basic human instinct has been explored. Most of these movies, though, have focused on how we battle zombies, giant creatures, or mutated humans. The upcoming "The Collapsed" gives us a version of this subgenre where humans are both the protagonists and antagonists.

The Plot:

The story follows a group of survivors during the days after the end of the world. We will watch as they figure out how to get food and how they deal with other survivors who are trying to live as well. Instead of dealing with some type of supernatural menace, the group will deal with the horrors that people pushed to the end can bring.

Humans as Antagonists

As I stated, survival horror is nothing new. The thought of a group of people trying to survive while struggling against other people, though, has rarely been explored. According to the trailers and previews, "The Collapsed" does not deal with any type of supernatural and science fiction-inspired creatures. Instead, the focus is put on the horrors of humans pushed up against the wall.

Where Do You Fit?

When this movie is released on February 28, 2012, many in the audience will have to question what they would do. Not only would they have to place themselves in the mindset of the protagonists, many will find that they will be picturing themselves as the antagonists. Instead of asking themselves "What would I do?" from one perspective, theatergoers will have to ask themselves from multiple perspectives. This could lead to more horrors than expected.

Where Does He Fit?

How many women in theaters across the country will wonder if their boyfriends would be an antagonist in real life if faced with having to survive? How many people will question the friends they are sitting with? What kind of mindset could a movie like this put people into? Not only could this movie take us on an interesting psychological ride in the theater, it could stay with us for hours as we question the personalities and dispositions of everyone we know.

"The Walking Dead"

Remember that zombies and most mutated humans from traditional survival horror are pretty stupid. They are out for food, and that is usually about it. With "The Collapsed," the antagonists are as smart as the protagonists. It reminds me of the interesting twist that was placed in the pages of "The Walking Dead" comic book when Rick and his crew went up against the Governor and when they crossed paths with the cannibals. Many fans of the comic will argue that these scenes were more frightening than the ones with zombies.

I am awaiting the release of "The Collapsed" to not only see how the fears are portrayed onscreen but to see how they run rampant in my mind, and the minds of my friends, after the final credits roll. I am look forward to seeing how long these horrors last in my mind. Which side would I see myself falling on? Which side would you?

More from this Contributor:

Horror Movie Fan's Bill of Rights
'The Raven' a Horror Film With Crossover Potential
How 'Bad Kids Go to Hell' Breaks the Hollywood Horror Mold

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