Dir. Lee Jae-kyoo & Kim Nam-su | Now Streaming On: Netflix | Rating: 3/5

I’m a sucker for new wave zombie media. Train to Busan is one of my top horror films of all time and is currently sitting as my top zombie film. So, you can imagine how excited I was to start streaming this South Korean zombie series on Netflix. ⁠
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All of Us Are Dead is based on a webtoon by Joo Dong-guen titled Now at Our School. I did a light skim of the first installment available on the US Webtoon and wasn’t overly impressed. The series definitely adds some impressive world building and character to a barebones storyline. Though a bit long winded, All of Us Are Dead does offer a fresh take on what many consider a stale subgenre. ⁠
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This show features a massive main and supporting cast with over 25 named characters. But each character’s personality is highlighted so intricately you won’t have any trouble remembering who’s who. Each character plays an intimate role in the themes of the show, including social status, wealth, and the power of fear. The characters and dynamic between them are what draws you in. By episode three, you’ve got your core group you want to root for. The writing makes you hate the right characters and love the others. As this is a K-Drama, there are some typical tropes, especially when it comes to family dynamics and love triangles. ⁠
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I found my biggest critique of this series came to light after I finished my watch through. While you’re watching the episodes, you’re on the edge of your seat as the cast begins to trickle down to just a few key characters. But, when we look at the chain of 12 episodes together – a whole lot of nothing happens. Even as a zombie fan, I can admit that this hashed out to be a constant cycle of run, hide, barricade, repeat. Despite how well acted and fun to watch this show was, I’d be very hesitant to watch a second season of this if it’s just more of the same.
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Know Before You Watch: Features suicide, death, gore. ⁠
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