A Sinking Zombie Fest with Modern Sensibilities and Uncompromising Gore
The Sadness is a zombie film that presents marked observations about the impact such disaster events can have on the human condition.
The Sadness is a film about the lost zest of humanity. The violence and gore overshadow the idea’s tangible impact, even though it is mostly used as a recurring motif to bound the film in an emotional arc. In the absence of any formal comment, the film seems to be a re-imagining of Joe Lynch’s 2017 cult-classic ‘Mayhem’. Comparatively, they are distinctively shot in different settings. Replacing the “Red Eye” virus is the Alvin virus, hitherto having only cold-like symptoms (COVID much?). Once relaxations from curbs (lockdowns and such) are enforced to woo voters before the elections, the virus assumes a dangerous face.
However, the film falls flat in the latter half. The story becomes predictable and the action sequences are lackluster. The film’s climax is anticlimactic and does not live up to the build-up. ..
The Sadness provides “The Sadness” director Rob Jabbaz enough time to create the aesthetical fabric of violence that is its highlight. The gore genre, so to speak, is beginning to increase its yearly churn. With the number of new stories coming out, the challenge for many films in this category is to negate the overwhelming bearing such aesthetics have on narration. More often than not, the challenge becomes subjects of criticism in reviews like these. Jabbaz tries to circumvent fusing narrative consistency with his choice of representation of violence. And he does so with stout craftsmanship.
When directors remain true to their style and vision, it is our job to recognize this self-awareness and exercise restraint. This is the same reason why we love Zack Snyder so much. Michael Bay – not so much. But you get the idea. ..
Jabbaz’s film is a work of art, and it’s not just about the violence. It’s also about the loneliness and isolation that can be felt in Taiwan. The Sadness is a powerful film, and it deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.
Jabbaz tells his harrowing story of a journey through Taiwan, where he experiences paranoia firsthand as he witnesses a schoolgirl get blinded in one eye by a middle-aged predator. Jabbaz then becomes his wingman to track down these criminals, and together they bring justice to the people of Taiwan. ..
The infected people in ‘The Sadness are not delirious’ are not delirious. They are overcome with desire, which explains why they go after other people. For them, controlling their sexual fantasies and urge becomes impossible. The alembic unlocking in their minds makes their actions detached from civility and human sense. This animalistic, raw environment makes the watching experience more gnarly and uncomfortable. Tzu-Chiang Wang (the man who chases Kat) is the unsung hero of the film. His performance is by far one of the most frightening iterations of “out of control” I have seen on screen in a long time. Other cast members fit in well within the scheme of a disease-led outbreak dismantling the city from normalcy.
The Sadness is a stylish horror movie that will please fans of the gore genre that has taken new suitors in flocks in recent times. Some of the truly disgusting scenes also evoke laughter in their sheer absurdity. It does not solidly add to the genre as Jabba would have expected. However, it provides something different that is a great first-time watch.
