It's been a while since I’ve encountered a truly worthwhile zombie movie. Recent films like 'Cooties,' 'Freaks of Nature,' and 'Scout's Guide...' have all leaned into comedy, and before this one, ‘World War Z’ was the last decent entry in the genre that I recall. The timing felt fortunate because there wasn't much competition, allowing this Korean film to stand out. It’s also worth noting that Korean filmmakers consistently produce some of the best thrillers around. Since this marked an Anime director’s debut into live-action filmmaking, I initially approached it with caution. Many Korean films rely on sentimental father-daughter relationships, a trope that has become tiresome – the predictable ending where a child cries and it's presented as a shocking twist. While I once enjoyed those moments, they now feel repetitive. Because of this, I almost skipped it. As someone who loves movies, I’m usually willing to take a chance, but I typically avoid writing reviews for films that seem potentially underwhelming. However, this film defied expectations. The characters, both central and supporting, were genuinely unpredictable—a significant strength. You find yourself unsure whom to support, questioning your allegiances during intense scenes. It's easy to assume you can anticipate what’s coming, but the writing was cleverly crafted. There seemed to be little concern for a sequel; it felt as if loose ends were intentionally left open, potentially allowing for future installments should the film prove successful. The story centers on a divorced father and his young daughter, who are later joined by others. They embark on a train journey to Busan to visit her mother, but soon discover something is amiss. As chaos erupts, survivors find themselves trapped within a speeding train car with no apparent escape, battling the undead. The narrative abruptly concludes at that point. While the conflict typically revolves around good versus evil, the filmmakers made room for a sentimental moment near the film's conclusion. Even those who aren’t usually emotionally invested in movies might find it difficult to resist this scene. I worried about such a development, but ultimately, it felt appropriate within the context of the story's progression. The movie contains several surprises, primarily from the characters' viewpoints rather than major plot developments. The cause of the epidemic remains unexplained; instead, the focus is on the train passengers and their struggle for survival with limited options. It’s reminiscent of a zombie version of 'Snowpiercer' or ‘Snakes on a Plane’. I understand there’s an animated film also directed by this filmmaker that serves as a prequel to this one. Those who enjoyed this movie will likely be eager to see it, and I hope to watch it when I have the opportunity. Overall, I found the film to be very good. Despite its nearly two-hour runtime, once the train journey begins, time seems to disappear. The pacing and events are so immersive that you lose track of everything else. It’s currently the best zombie movie available, and it's a must-see for fans of the genre. Recommended! 8/10

Source on TMDB