In a post-apocalyptic future, a biological warfare program gone wrong leaves only four survivors defending themselves from “the infected” – mindless killers. As they struggle to survive and make sense of what is happening, they find another survivor, intent on revealing the truth.
I am slightly ashamed to say that in my life, I have only ever watched one Israeli film. This was the fabulous Big Bad Wolves, which was both written and directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado. Now the problem with having only watched one, it means that this sets a benchmark for every other Israeli film that comes after. Plus, we have the added complication that the bar was raised so damn high.
I don’t want to claim that I know a lot about Israeli cinema because I really know very little. But this is why I particularly like ‘World Cinema’ in general as it exposes the viewer to a whole new experience. Now from what I have read on the Internet, the director of Another World ‘Eitan Reuven’ wanted to make a feature that stayed away from politics and the internal conflicts. Plus, check this out; Another World was the first Israeli ‘Zombie’ movie. This is both impressive but also strange as there are plenty of Zombies over here in the UK. However, in comparison to most, not so many can make it as well as Reuven, especially as it was made on a shoestring budget.
Another World focuses primarily on 5 characters, which are named as Wizard (Zach Cohen) Doctor (Susanne Gschwendtner) Daughter (Davina Kevelson) Mouser (David Lavenski) and Colonel (Carl McCrystal).
These people are the only ones we see who are surviving the infected. Each one is supposed to represent an aspect of humanity. So for example we have the Doctor who is love, compassion and justice. Whilst the Colonel is a professional soldier, a symbol of power and dominance. This intention can be felt throughout its entirety, as there are many philosophical debates on the meaning of life between the characters. Furthermore, it would seem that with each new chapter it would come with an excerpt from the book Genesis.
Some people may find this aspect too much as the dialogue can become a little heavy and deep. However, on the flip side, if we were placed into that situation, it is highly likely that there would be many deep and meaningful conversations taking place – in between a blood bath of bullets and body parts.
From what I am led to believe, the director and writers Shlomi Aviner, Michael Birinbaum and Reuvan wanted to stay away from calling the ‘Zombies’ – ‘Zombies’ – as they are purely infected from a biological warfare program. These guys move real quick and although they do take big ole bites out of people, they certainly do not feel like the undead.
Despite the stoner conversations Another World is fast paced. Time stands for no man. There is a constant moving threat and it is relentless. There are plenty of explosions and rapid gunfire to keep your attention and in fairness the film did have a hold on me. Reuven has done a fabulous job and I genuinely hope there will be a surge of Israeli films dominating the global market.
Words by Amanda Hunt @man_ders11
