Written by: Ryan Dailey
Virus:32 is a Spanish language horror film that debuted on Shudder in April of this year (2022.) It is directed by Gustavo Hernandez (La Casa Muda) and stars Paula Silva, Daniel Hendler and Sofia Gonzalez. The plot is an interesting take on the zombie film genre, although the uniqueness it brings to the table is not nearly used to the full extent of its potential.
The streets of Montevideo become host to countless massacres as a rage virus takes a hold on a large number of the population. This virus affects people differently than the viruses from 28 Days Later or any of the countless Romero rip-offs. This breed of infected “zombie” does not crave flesh, only violence. Not all is hopeless for the survivors, however, as these infected killers will randomly enter a 32 second “cool down,” in which they become motionless and basically harmless.
While the premise is interesting, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The main survivor, Iris, and her daughter are trapped in an abandoned nightclub, which Iris is employed at as a security guard. The film ets Iris up as being a damaged mother, still mourning the loss of her infant son. And while it is set up that Iris is now known for her bad decision making, it makes no sense as to why that would carry over to a “do or die” scenario. It can be forgiven that the daughter makes bad choices given herage, but it is almost inexcusable in the case of Iris.
The “hook” of this film is wasted as well. The characters have a 32 second “get out of jail free card,” yet every time these “zombies” shut down, any and all courses of action our lead characters take always seem to take 30 seconds or more. For some inexplicable reason, these survivors pause and walk slowly through crowds of these things as they “rest.” This typically leads to countless last minute escapes that could have easily been avoided.
What the movie does get right, it gets really right. There are many tense moments that will have you holding your breath or grimacing in anxiety.
This film is not an absolute let down, but it could have been so much more. Like most films that hit the market these days, it is definitely worth at least one viewing, if for nothing more than expanding your palate in horror movies.
Virus:32 is currently streaming on Shudder.