All of Us Are Dead is a South Korean zombie horror drama that premiered on Netflix in 2022. Based on the webtoon Now at Our School by Joo Dong-geun, the series takes a fresh and intense approach to the zombie genre, blending high school drama with brutal survival horror. Set in a South Korean high school, the story follows a group of students trapped inside their school after a deadly virus outbreak turns their classmates into bloodthirsty zombies. With no immediate rescue in sight, they must rely on each other to stay alive while facing both the undead and the challenges of human nature under extreme pressure.
One of the standout aspects of the show is its fast-paced storytelling and intense action sequences. The zombies in this series are aggressive, fast, and terrifying, making every encounter thrilling and suspenseful. The show doesn’t hold back on gore and violence, which adds to its raw and immersive feel. The cinematography and special effects are also impressive, heightening the tension and making the chaos feel real.
Beyond the horror elements, All of Us Are Dead also delivers strong emotional depth. The show explores themes of friendship, bullying, sacrifice, and survival, making the characters more than just zombie-fodder. Some standout characters, like Nam On-jo (Park Ji-hu) and Lee Cheong-san (Yoon Chan-young), add heart to the story, while others, like the ruthless bully Yoon Gwi-nam (Yoo In-soo), make for great antagonists, proving that sometimes humans can be just as dangerous as the undead.
However, the series is not without flaws. At times, the episodes feel slightly stretched, with some unnecessary subplots that slow down the momentum. Some characters make frustratingly bad decisions, which can be a bit annoying for viewers who expect more logical survival tactics. Additionally, while the show starts off strong, some later episodes lose the initial intensity, and the ending leaves room for more but doesn’t completely satisfy all the plot threads.
Overall, All of Us Are Dead is a thrilling, action-packed, and emotionally gripping zombie series that brings something fresh to the genre. With its well-executed horror elements, strong performances, and social commentary, it stands out as one of the better zombie dramas in recent years. If you enjoy shows like Train to Busan or Kingdom, this series is definitely worth a watch.
