Photo credit: movieweb.com

Exploring Isolation in a Post-Apocalyptic World in *Didn’t Die*

Meera Menon’s film *Didn’t Die* presents a scenario that feels prescient, inspired by a society still grappling with various crises. Set in a zombie-ridden America, the narrative centers on a podcast host striving to maintain her relevance amid societal collapse. However, this comedic take on the undead transcends simple horror tropes, delving into the profound themes of communication and connection in a world where traditional support systems have crumbled. As Vinita, the film’s protagonist, broadcasts into an increasingly silent void, questions arise: Who is still listening, and does it even matter?

Vinita, portrayed by Kiran Deol, wields a sardonic wit as she navigates a desolate landscape inhabited by “biters” and virtually devoid of human interaction. Initially drenched in ironic detachment, her character evolution throughout the film highlights a more fundamental struggle: surviving in a world where merely avoiding death is insufficient; choosing to live meaningfully becomes paramount.

Zombies, Podcasts, and Pandemic-Era Anxieties

Released on January 30, 2025, and running for 89 minutes, *Didn’t Die* resonates with a contemporary audience, particularly millennials who relate to its wry humor and themes of isolation. The film, which Menon directed and co-produced with Paul Gleason, juxtaposes the absurdity of zombie horror with poignant commentary on societal addiction to self-curation. Rather than the stumbling undead, its focus shifts to the emotional and social landscape of its survivors.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Likable characters delivering sharp dialogue encapsulate the film’s solitary essence while exploring contemporary identity struggles.

Cons: The film’s horror elements occasionally fall flat, diminishing the tension expected in a zombie narrative.

Menon’s decision to frame *Didn’t Die* as both a zombie narrative and an allegory for modern disconnection is a deliberate artistic choice. The film’s striking black-and-white cinematography pays homage to classic zombie cinema, particularly *Night of the Living Dead*, which reflected America’s greatest fears. However, Menon pivots away from race and media towards today’s interpersonal estrangement, focusing on individuals who are more invested in their digital personas than genuine human interaction, even when the world descends into chaos.

During Vinita’s journey, the film excels in its early sequences, where her character nestles into routines, reminiscing through the lack of chaos. A moment of levity comes when her brother Rishi (Vishal Vijayakumar) showcases his support by plastering posters promoting her podcast on deserted streets — a nod to human connection lingering, even on the brink of oblivion.

A World That Refuses to Die

Rather than focusing heavily on its undead antagonists, *Didn’t Die* subtly integrates their presence as a backdrop to explore the nuances of human behavior amidst disaster. One notably relatable scene arises when a character whimsically reflects on a child’s emotional fluctuations, alluding to the madness that engulfs their existence. This moment raises a poignant question: what does emotional stability mean in an inherently unstable environment?

Absurdity breeds humor, even in an apocalyptic setting, as illustrated by characters engaging in absurd arguments or entertaining distractions, emphasizing the tenacity of human behavior. Menon’s vision artfully captures the remnants of daily life, showcasing mundane absurdities amid catastrophe — a testament to humanity’s resilience and absurdity when confronting existential threats.

Fleeting flashbacks in grainy 8mm fill out the narrative, reminding audiences of a vibrantly different world. These snippets aren’t merely nostalgic; they illustrate the fragility of memory and the struggle to cling to a past that was already slipping away even before the collapse.

A Zombie Film That’s About the Living

Despite the film’s branding, the genuine horror lies not with the living dead but within the characters themselves. The nuance of Vinita and Vincent’s relationship, alongside their sarcastic dialogue, brings forth familiar frustrations and emotions echoed throughout the film, as they seek to redefine their connection in a world stripped of its former stability.

However, *Didn’t Die* struggles to balance its dual identity as a comedy-horror. While the character-driven moments shine brightly, the actual horror components often feel secondary, sometimes clumsily executed. This dissonance can sap momentum from the narrative, where the stakes feel inconsistent with the character arcs.

Nevertheless, it provides a sharp critique of both modern isolation and the human desire for relevance. The duality of a post-apocalyptic podcast, laden with both humor and heartbreak, rings eerily true as characters inadvertently highlight the absurdity of personal branding while the world burns around them—a uniquely contemporary horror that reflects our digital age.

A Film That Doesn’t Quite Die, But Lingers

Menon’s film encapsulates profound themes about grief, connection, and humanity’s capacity to cling to outdated routines amidst change. Straddling a fine line between intimacy and isolation, *Didn’t Die* provides an intriguing perspective within the zombie genre. Ultimately, while it may falter at times, the film captures a universal fear—being forgotten or left behind—and serves as a reminder that the ghosts of our past continue to linger in the silence of an ever-evolving world.

Didn’t Die recently screened at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Find more information here.

Source
movieweb.com