Overlord

REVIEW:

“Overlord” immediately sets the tone as an old-school war movie with its black-and-white opening, complete with war sirens blaring and vintage text announcing the film’s title. This aesthetic choice instantly transports viewers back to the era of World War II, grounding the film in a sense of historical authenticity. But don’t be fooled by the nostalgic nod to classic war films—this is not your typical World War II story. As the film unfolds, “Overlord” reveals itself as a thrilling war movie infused with a sinister sprinkle of zombie horror, creating a unique genre-blending experience.

The movie launches into action with a heart-pounding opening sequence as a group of paratroopers, including our protagonist Boyce (Jovan Adepo), prepare for their dangerous mission in Nazi-occupied France. The tension is palpable as the soldiers are thrust into chaos, their plane under heavy fire, and the adrenaline never lets up. From the moment the paratroopers leap into the night sky, “Overlord” grips you with its relentless pace, pulling you into a gritty, immersive portrayal of war-torn Europe. Even without the horror elements, this would stand as a strong war film, but it’s the addition of the gruesome and supernatural that elevates it to another level.

As the story progresses, the horrors of war take on a more literal meaning. The Nazi experiments revealed in the film are deeply unsettling, transforming the residents of a small French village into grotesque undead super soldiers. This plot point hits especially hard when considering the real-life atrocities committed by the Nazis during the war, where horrific experiments on human beings were not just the stuff of fiction but a tragic reality. While the film dramatizes these horrors for entertainment, the underlying sense of realism makes certain scenes uncomfortable to watch, blurring the line between historical fact and fantasy horror.

One of the most intense sequences occurs when Boyce finds himself trapped in the Nazis’ underground laboratory. The film’s body horror reaches its peak here, with grotesque imagery that will leave even the most hardened horror fans squirming. Wyatt Russell delivers a standout performance as Ford, a hardened soldier who becomes central to the film’s climactic moments. Russell commands the screen, and his portrayal of Ford’s grim determination and resilience is compelling. His performance is so strong that he easily steals the show, and it’s clear he deserves more leading roles.

However, not all character choices make perfect sense. For instance, when Boyce injects Chase with a mysterious serum in a desperate attempt to bring him back to life, it feels like a questionable decision. Boyce has no idea what the serum could do, and the fact that he takes such a drastic step without evidence or understanding is a moment that stands out as puzzling. Despite this, the film manages to maintain its momentum, especially in the first and third acts, where the action and gore are relentless, making up for the slower pace of the second act.

The film’s production values are impressive, with sets that convincingly depict a war-ravaged town and practical effects that add a visceral realism to the horror. One particularly memorable scene involves a German soldier forced to ride a motorcycle rigged with explosives; the gruesome moment when his head explodes before the bomb does is both shocking and brilliantly executed. “Overlord” is a film that doesn’t shy away from gore, and its practical effects are a testament to the craftsmanship involved. While the film might not be widely discussed, it deserves more recognition for its bold approach and successful fusion of war and horror. The climactic battle, though brief, is intense and satisfying, with Wyatt Russell’s confrontation with Pilou Asbæk leaving a lasting impression. Overall, “Overlord” is a tough, exhilarating watch that offers a fresh take on both war and horror genres.