The Day (Doug Aarniokoski 2011)
Post-apocalyptic drama that is probably one of the first films to be directly influenced by The Walking Dead. A band of survivors take refuge in an abandoned farmhouse only to find themselves the target of bloodthirsty bandits. One of their number, a tough and enigmatic young woman, arouses suspicion when it turns out she is known to the attackers. As in the iconic television series, and indeed most modern post-apocalyptic/zombie movies, the biggest threat is other people, and The Day takes a typically pessimistic view of human nature. There is some clunky, scene-setting dialogue early on, but once the action starts it doesn't stop. The film is exciting and fairly interesting, but it is largely carried by the charismatic Ashley Bell, who dominates the film to the end. The final scene, by the way, is worth staying up for.
