Pontypool (2008)

Pontypool's greatest contribution to the zombie genre isn't action set pieces or carefully timed scares; instead, Pontypool changes the rules of engagement. What if a word could become infected? What if something could propagate through language, turning us into something we're not?

With words, not bites, being the vector by which the zombie affliction is spread, everyone is in danger. This is a fascinating iteration on the zombie concept because it is quite literal: the statements and ideas we absorb change us constantly. What does it look like when they change us for the worse? Having established the power of language, the film then throws us into silence, expanding the message about language to the suppression of it. There is a resemblance between the rise of our zombies and the propagation of insidious ideology, how it seeks first to spread, then to silence, then to suppress.

While the film spells out quite a bit when writing between the lines, the exact mechanics of how the affliction spreads remain a little hazy. But, conveniently, the doctor who is purportedly at the heart of this mess wanders into the radio studio. He provides some level of understanding but even some of what he says sounds more like riddle than reason. This works as a strength of the film, as the audience is left constantly trying to piece together the nature of the affliction.

Sections where Stephen McHattie’s character is on the air are a highlight, with smooth close ups and cuts back and forth to inside and outside of the booth. These portions are further aided by McHattie’s low and smooth vocal delivery, cut to fit for radio and pretty much anything else. Which leads to one unfortunate caveat.

The biggest missed opportunity in this film is creative use of sound. We do get an opening focused only on sound, which is important to the movie's story, and McHattie’s radio voice is captured well. Otherwise, most of the sound choices are straightforward. This is unfortunate, as the premise of the movie seems perfectly suited to more inventive and varied uses of sound.

With a fresh take on zombies and a message that may be dangerous to listen to, Pontypool offers an unconventional and imaginative explanation for infection, and its implications generalize well to our own world.