The Returned - Blu-ray

Film: Across the world, a mysterious phenomenon occurs completely out of the blue: 70 million deceased people return to life. Not as bloodthirsty zombies, but as almost completely normal people. At least that's how it seems at first glance. Scientists are trying to explain the phenomenon, which has ended as quickly as it came. But there is simply no explanation. And after some time in quarantine, the once deceased are allowed back into their old lives. They are allowed to live again in their old homes and pursue their old occupations. But the reintegration of the resurrected into society does not work out as easily as the people in charge had imagined. When the Returned begin to exhibit strange behaviour, it is feared that they could become a real danger to people - and this must be prevented at all costs.

The Returned is a slightly different zombie film that was the template for the acclaimed French mystery series of the same name, which made a splash with its season in 2012, and not just in France. The 2004 film is a very unusual arthouse horror film that is entirely devoid of the usual genre gore effects and clichés. Instead, Robin Campillo has directed a dark social study that seems to be of almost frightening topicality, especially in times of the refugee crisis. The film plays with very basic fears of people who see their normal life, their well-off everyday life, but also their job and the social peace in the country in danger.

You could quickly forget that it is a horror film, would not be the extremely threatening mood, which quickly captivates the viewer. Even though the very worn staging seems enormously unwieldy at times, Campillo succeeds very well in building up an atmosphere that conveys the feeling of a constantly lurking threat even in very quiet moments. Although very little really happens, as a viewer you suspect all the time that something dangerous is brewing. If you expect the phenomenon of the Returners or their actions to be explained in more detail in the last act, you will be disappointed, though. The viewer is left in the dark, just like the protagonists in the movie. There are only assumptions, fears and accusations, which then has to escalate towards the end.

Who expects a lot of blood, action or tangible horror, will certainly have a hard time with The Returned. But if you want to see an atmospherically dense social study with light horror elements that is extremely gripping in its restraint, and simply appreciate genre cinema beyond the mainstream, then this film (and definitely the series based on it) should definitely not be missed. Worth seeing!

Image + Sound: That the Blu-ray's visuals make the film seem a bit undercooked perfectly captures the oppressive mood of the story. Overall, the image sharpness is on a good level, although there are always minor weak points to discover in terms of detail. The sound mix is completely in keeping with the style of the production and is therefore extremely restrained and almost minimalist. The dialogues are mixed well understandable and light ambient noises also ensure that a small amount of movement can be detected in the surround area. Good!

Extras: Trailer and program tips - unfortunately, the disc has nothing more bonus material to offer. Too bad!

Conclusion: The Returned is the acclaimed template for the hit French series of the same name, which takes a fresh approach to the zombie mythos for once. The film impresses with its original story, its ominous mood and its completely restrained staging. If you expect speed, action or gore, you will definitely be disappointed. But if you simply want to see a completely different take on the zombie theme, this arthouse horror can definitely be recommended. The Blu-ray presents the film in atmospheric picture and sound quality, unfortunately there is no bonus material. Recommendable

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp