Is Red Days Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)
When seven nuclear attacks hit the United States, the country is thrown into chaos. But none of the areas are affected as severely as Southern California, where the radiation has created an infestation of zombies. Following Giovanni Fish and his family, Red Days follows a small group of survivors as they battle zombies and learn to live under a new communist regime. Set in the Not So Sane Universe, Red Days begins as the United States falls into chaos after seven simultaneous nuclear devices are set off, causing civil war and a break up of the union. Van and his family struggle to survive the aftermath of the attack. Stranded in his house for nearly five years, Van attempts to keep zombies from destroying what’s left of his existence as he slowly watches everything he believed in and knew about himself crumble into nothing. His last hope comes as his daughter who disappeared on the night of the attacks returns, but she has a secret of her own that could either save or condemn Van.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Horror, Science Fiction cinema, then Red Days offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
In the evolving tapestry of Horror, Science Fiction cinema, the 2019 release of Red Days stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When seven nuclear attacks hit the United States, the country is thrown into chaos. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Science Fiction are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When seven nuclear attacks hit the United States, the country is thrown into chaos. But none of the areas are affected as severely as Southern California, where the radiation has created an infestation of zombies. Following Giovanni Fish and his family, Red Days follows a small group of survivors as they battle zombies and learn to live under a new communist regime. Set in the Not So Sane Universe, Red Days begins as the United States falls into chaos after seven simultaneous nuclear devices are set off, causing civil war and a break up of the union. Van and his family struggle to survive the aftermath of the attack. Stranded in his house for nearly five years, Van attempts to keep zombies from destroying what’s left of his existence as he slowly watches everything he believed in and knew about himself crumble into nothing. His last hope comes as his daughter who disappeared on the night of the attacks returns, but she has a secret of her own that could either save or condemn Van."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Sérgio Cantú, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Horror, Science Fiction genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.
The direction by Brett William Mauser is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Red Days truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, Science Fiction, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Red Days explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Brett William Mauser respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Red Days serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Sérgio Cantú or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Red Days is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.