Warm Bodies, an inspiration...

Warm Bodies (2013)

At first glance this Paranormal-Zombie-Apocalyptic -Romance did not appeal to me at all. The movie builds on a relationship focused on a girl (Julie) and a Zombie that she calls "R". It occurred to me that this may be another 'Twilight', playing on the idea of how love can happen - even between a couple wherein one party is dangerous to the other. Yes, this has been sorely overdone and has become 'one of those' cliches. However, something about this movie opens up many interpretations, beautiful imagery and metaphors beyond simple words.

 I will admit that I am a bit cynical when it comes to love and romance movies. However, "Warm Bodies" offers so much more than a simple love story, more than just a love between two people. The movie has been compared to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"and yes it has similarities: Julie and R come from two very different opposing backgrounds, each side wants to rid the world of the other, thankfully this one ends on a bit of a happier note than Romeo and Juliet. (In todays society no one wants to watch a sad movie in which the two main characters kill themselves off right?) In this apocalyptic film there are three types of 'beings', the humans, the zombies and the boneys- these are the Zombies that are just too far gone, they have lost every little bit of humanity.

 The movie is seen from R's perspective and so as the viewer we always feel the humanity in him, he is more than just a Zombie, we know his feelings. He has done his best to cling on to human things, listening to records and converting an aeroplane into a special place for him to stay. Julie, comes into his life in a way I will not kill for you but she sets his heart beating again both literally and metaphorically. He protects her from the other Zombies in a bit of a selfish attempt to spend time with her. He risks his own life to save her.

 This budding romance does not go unnoticed by R's Zombie 'friends'. In an attempt to flee R and Julie are seen holding hands which sparks off humanity in the other Zombies who in turn start to change.

 Enough of me giving too much away.

 'Warm bodies' encouraged me to look beyond what we think we know about those around us and consider differences. It shows that love and kindness are contagious and can be spread. Yes that all sounds a bit kitsh and stupid, however, there is even more to it than that.

 There are many movies which show us that love between two unlikely people is possible but this particular movie, shows that love that seems doomed and unaccepted can and will be accepted. We live in a tough world and love can blossom in the strangest of places. It also proves that love is two sided, it is about give and take! If you learn to embrace each others differences love can blossom. (Take all of what I just said lightly since I am not one to speak-being single).

 Trailer Warm Bodies Trailer

Christian Content We are taught through scripture that we, like R are all dead without God's saving grace and when we find that love and open up to it we are given new and eternal life. This may be a bit of a stretch, but for me personally it hit me that love really conquers all evil. Christ died on the cross because he loved us so very much. We need to love those around us wholeheartedly and when we show love that love will spread like wildfire. We are all on earth living together and we need to avoid 'othering' stop separating ourselves from each other! There is rebirth, the Zombies are not too far gone.

 So, yes our own lives reflect similarities to what is shown in "Warm Bodies", we are always worried about who to trust and we have all suffered from hurt and loss. This movie based on the novel by Isaac Marion is a MUST WATCH.

Keep an open mind and let it grow on you as R does. Look through it's rather harsh exterior and let it open up to so much more.

 "R: Julie and I were giving the others hope, and it was spreading fast. I guess the Bonies didn't like that. That must be why they're looking for us. I have to tell Julie. I have to explain what's happening before it's too late. I have to..."

 Enjoy