Everyone loves a zombie flick, and everyone loves a good rom-com, but they're not usually the same movie. That's where Warm Bodies comes in. I dare you to name a better romantic comedy where the male lead eats someone's brain. Struggling? Well, you're lucky it's just been added to Netflix (one of the best streaming services).
Usually describing an actor as like a zombie is anything but a compliment. However, in this undead retelling of Romeo & Juliet, Nicholas Hoult shines as an awkward undead shambling around an airport, desperate for purpose. R (he can't quite remember his name) isn't like other zombies, he loves vinyl records and actually feels emotions.
But he does still eat brains, and that's how our two star-crossed lovers actually meet. On a supply run in the post-apocalypse our Juliet (or rather Julie, played by Teresa Palmer), stumbles upon a pack of zombies, including R, who attack and kill her boyfriend. I've had a few tough first dates but wow, that's a bumpy start.
With Julie in danger, R does something unprecedented. He kidnaps her, sparing her life. From there the rom in this rom-com begins, but whoever R was before he turned, he definitely wasn't a natural ladies' man. Attempts to befriend Julie more often than not end with one of the two of them screaming. But why has he saved her?
Part horror movie and part awkward teenage romance, there's nothing quite like Warm Bodies. It's not always pretty but there's a real sweetness and positivity in the connection of our leads. The Romeo and Juliet allegory is a neat trick as well with characters even playing the equivalents to secondary characters like The Nurse and Mercutio. Despite the dire state of the world, this is definitely an uplifting story which asks, what really makes us human?
If you're sick of cookie-cutter rom-coms or want a change of pace from your typical zombie flick then you can't go wrong with Warm Bodies. And if you're a grade-A coward like me, don't worry, it's not that scary.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
This full-body workout for beginners builds functional strength and boosts longevity
And all you need is a single dumbbell
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Apple Vision Pro could learn a thing or two from PSVR2 when it comes to gaming
Craving proper gaming on the Apple Vision Pro? That could happen
By Chris Hall Published
-
I bet you forgot about this huge Apple TV+ movie streaming now
Fly Me to the Moon deserves some love
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
This Netflix thriller with a Slow Horses star looks incredibly stressful
Missing You is a guaranteed pulse-raiser
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
3 alternative Christmas movies to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+
Elf and Home Alone are obviously brilliant, be here are three other films you might not have thought to watch this holiday season
By Brian Comber Published
-
How does this Netflix disaster series look so good? I'll be watching
La Palma shouldn't be as flashy as it is
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I can't believe I only just watched this Oscar-winning Netflix movie
This one blew me away big-time
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Amazon’s newest Fire TV Stick drops to cheapest price for Cyber Monday – it’s under $20!
Take your streaming to the next level with this Cyber Monday Fire TV Stick deal
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
A much-loved streaming service is closing down, but not before everyone gets one month for free
Content set to switch to Netflix in January
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Amazon finally unveils its most dystopian show yet with a real trailer
Beast Games looks fairly horrifying
By Max Freeman-Mills Published