The Cured

Just when you thought the long-in-the-tooth zombie movie genre had used every horror trope imaginable, along comes a new Scream Factory Blu-ray to squash that notion. In association with IFC Films, "The Cured" gets released to home entertainment after playing in horror festivals under its original title, "The Third Wave."

Actress Ellen Page ("Hard Candy," "Juno") was so interested in starring in "The Cured" that she also served as the film's producer. The story concerns something called The Maze Virus, which has ravaged Ireland the past few decades. We learn in the opening credits that a cure to the virus has finally been found. But it cures only 75% of those infected.

As the cured are entered back into society, discrimination and fear ensue. But with Ellen page's character, she has empathy and lets her former zombie brother-in-law back into the fold. A shocking family secret gets revealed between the two characters, and "The Cured" becomes a quite unique and effective zombie thriller.

The emphasis in "The Cured" is placed on character development, drama, and intelligence. Blood, guts, and violence are secondary (even though there are scenes here and there of a graphic nature). Ellen Page once again shows her versatility and vulnerability as a gifted actress.

Unfortunately, Scream Factory only offers a brief behind-the-scenes featurette and the film's trailer in the bonus features department. But for a brilliant spin on a fifty-year-old zombie genre, "The Cured" should be viewed and/or purchased

"The Cured"
Blu-ray
$29.99
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