Handling the Undead is a 2024 Norwegian horror mystery film directed by Thea Hvistendahl, from a screenplay co-written by Hvistendahl and John Ajvide Lindqvist, based on Lindqvist's novel of the same name. The film stars Renate Reinsve, Bjørn Sundquist, Bente Børsum, Anders Danielsen Lie, Bahar Pars, and Inesa Dauksta.
Premise
After an inexplicable electromagnetic event causes the dead to reanimate, three grieving families in Oslo are confronted with the return of their deceased loved ones. The resurrected are in an advanced state of decay, unable to communicate, and exist in a trance-like state. The story follows Mahler, who retrieves his young grandson Elias from his grave; David, whose wife Eva begins breathing again after dying in a hospital; and Tora, who attempts to care for her deceased partner Elisabet.
Cast
- Renate Reinsve as Anna
- Bjørn Sundquist as Mahler
- Bente Børsum as Tora
- Anders Danielsen Lie as David
- Bahar Pars as Eva
- Inesa Dauksta as Flora
- Kian Hansen as Kian
- Olga Damani as Elisabet
Production
In August 2022, the cast was announced, with Thea Hvistendahl directing from a screenplay co-written with John Ajvide Lindqvist, based on Lindqvist's novel. Nordisk Film handled distribution in Norway. The film was produced by Einar Film and Zentropa, in association with the Norwegian Film Institute, Swedish Film Institute, Film i Väst, and Nordisk Film & TV Fond.
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on 20 January 2024. It screened at the Gothenburg Film Festival on 26 January 2024 and was released in Norway on 9 February 2024 by Nordisk Film. Neon acquired North American and UK distribution rights prior to the premiere.
Reception
On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 75% of 68 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The site's consensus reads: "A grounded zombie picture with emotional bite, Handling the Undead shuffles along at a patient pace but succeeds as a poignant and thoughtful addition to the genre." On Metacritic, the film received a weighted average score of 70 out of 100 based on 17 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.
Accolades
The film won the 2024 Méliès d'Or, awarded by the Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya (Sitges Film Festival).
Box Office
The film grossed approximately $232,281 at the box office.
