Apocalipsis Z: el principio del fin

Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024) is a gripping Spanish action-horror film directed by Carles Torrens, based on the best-selling novel by Manel Loureiro. The plot follows Manel, a grieving lawyer living in isolation with his cat Lúculo after a car accident claimed his wife's life. His solitude is shattered by the outbreak of the TSJ virus, a global pandemic that transforms the infected into hyper-aggressive creatures. As the world descends into chaos, Manel must transform from a broken man into a determined survivor to reunite with his family.

The film excels in creating a palpable sense of dread and realism, showcasing the collapse of society through the lens of a lone survivor in the Galician countryside. Unlike many Hollywood productions, Apocalipsis Z focuses on the ingenuity of its protagonist, featuring unique survival gear such as a diving suit and a speargun. The journey takes Manel through abandoned hospitals and onto dangerous vessels controlled by ruthless sailors, providing a fresh European perspective on the classic zombie apocalypse trope.

Starring Francisco Ortiz, the film delivers a powerful performance that anchors the high-stakes action. Critics have praised its "hand-crafted" feel and solid execution of genre staples, making it a standout entry in recent horror cinema. Following its successful debut at the Sitges Film Festival and on Amazon Prime Video, a sequel is already in development, promising to expand this bleak and thrilling cinematic world.