Army of the Dead
Movie Trailer
Release Date
May 21, 2021
Genre
Action, Horror, Zombie, Heist
Cast & Crew
- Dave Bautista as Scott Ward
- Ella Purnell as Kate Ward
- Omari Hardwick as Vanderohe
- Ana de la Reguera as Maria Cruz
- Theo Rossi as Burt Cummings
- Matthias Schweighöfer as Ludwig Dieter
- Nora Arnezeder as Lily / The Coyote
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Bly Tanaka
- Tig Notaro as Marianne Peters
- Garret Dillahunt as Martin
Director
Zack Snyder
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Dawn of the Dead (2004)
- 300 (2006)
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Justice League (2017, 2021)
Producer
- Zack Snyder
- Deborah Snyder
- Wesley Coller
Writer
- Zack Snyder
- Shay Hatten
- Joby Harold
Budget
$70–90 million
Production Company
- The Stone Quarry
- Netflix
Running Time
148 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence and gore
- Intense action sequences
- Language throughout
- Some sexual content and nudity
Movie Story
Army of the Dead is a genre-blending film that combines the thrill of a heist movie with the intense action of a zombie apocalypse. The story is set in a dystopian future where Las Vegas has been overrun by a horde of zombies, and the city has been quarantined by the government. Billionaire casino owner Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada) approaches former mercenary Scott Ward (Dave Bautista) with a dangerous but lucrative proposal: assemble a team to infiltrate the zombie-infested city and retrieve $200 million from a casino vault before the military nukes the city to contain the outbreak.
Scott, driven by the promise of a better life for his estranged daughter, Kate (Ella Purnell), agrees to lead the mission. He recruits a diverse crew of specialists, including his old friend Maria Cruz (Ana de la Reguera), the tough-as-nails Vanderohe (Omari Hardwick), the safecracker Ludwig Dieter (Matthias Schweighöfer), and helicopter pilot Marianne Peters (Tig Notaro). As they venture into the quarantine zone, they encounter not only the typical shambling undead but also a new breed of zombies known as Alphas—faster, smarter, and more organized.
As the heist progresses, the team faces numerous challenges, from deadly traps in the casino to the relentless pursuit of the Alphas, led by the terrifying Zeus (Richard Cetrone). Meanwhile, Kate has her own agenda, determined to find and rescue a friend who is trapped in the city. The film escalates into a high-stakes battle for survival, with the clock ticking down to the impending nuclear strike.
Army of the Dead balances its over-the-top action with moments of dark humor and emotional depth, particularly in the strained relationship between Scott and Kate. The film explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the human drive to survive, all set against a backdrop of chaotic, zombie-filled mayhem.
Special Effects
The special effects in Army of the Dead are a key highlight, with Zack Snyder delivering his signature visual style. The zombie makeup and CGI work bring the undead to life in gruesome detail, particularly the Alphas, who are depicted with a level of intelligence and menace not typically seen in zombie films. The film’s action sequences are grand in scale, featuring explosive gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and thrilling set pieces, such as a battle inside a casino and a desperate escape through a zombie-filled city.
Box Office Performance
Although primarily released on Netflix, Army of the Dead also had a limited theatrical release, where it grossed approximately $1 million. On Netflix, the film was a major success, quickly becoming one of the platform’s most-watched original movies, with millions of views within its first few weeks of release.
Filming Locations
- Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Notable Quotes
- “It’s not what you did, son, that angers me so. It’s who you did it to.” – Scott Ward
- “They’re not what you think they are. They’re smarter. They’re faster. They’re organized.” – Lily
- “You gotta be kidding me.” – Scott Ward
Behind-the-Scenes
Zack Snyder returned to his horror roots with Army of the Dead, which he developed from an idea he had years earlier. The film was notable for its extensive use of practical effects combined with CGI to create the zombie horde and the desolate, quarantined Las Vegas. The production faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it also included notable post-production work, such as digitally inserting Tig Notaro into the film after she replaced another actor. Snyder’s distinct visual style, combined with a mix of intense action and dark humor, helped establish Army of the Dead as a fresh take on the zombie genre.
Awards
- Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
- Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actor in a Horror Movie (Dave Bautista)
Final Verdict
Army of the Dead is a thrilling and visually striking blend of heist and zombie genres, showcasing Zack Snyder’s flair for epic action and dark, gritty storytelling. While it may not revolutionize the genre, the film delivers plenty of entertainment with its unique premise, strong performances, and inventive set pieces. Fans of both action and horror will find much to enjoy in this adrenaline-fueled ride through a zombie-infested Las Vegas.
IMDb Rating
5.7/10