Creating bucket lists to achieve goals or experience new things is a common occurrence for many individuals, but what stops us from fulfilling them? These problems are reflected in the 2023 film adaptation of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead. Based on the popular manga comics first created in 2018, the narrative follows Akira (Eiji Akaso), the film’s protagonist, who has worked hard to secure his dream job. Unfortunately, he is unaware of the dark truth of his company’s exploitative corporate culture, which eats away at him, along with his fear of being unable to quit. However, as he musters the courage to get out of bed and reluctantly departs for work, he realises something feels different. For instance, he sees his friendly elderly neighbour transformed into a zombie, feasting on a corpse. Upon hearing the news that the world has been plunged into despair due to an outbreak of zombies, what’s his first thought? To jump for joy with excitement and happiness, realising that he doesn’t need to go to work. 

Without a doubt, Akira is a walking ball of sunshine, and all it took was an apocalypse to get his much-deserved vacation time. As the infected descend into zombies, the effects aren’t to be laughed at. It may be a comedy, but the dedication to maintaining the classic zombie appearance is apparent, as is the prevalent gore depicting humans transforming into horrifying creatures. 

The main question is: what would we do if we didn’t limit ourselves to the mundane and instead went out into the world and pursued what we wanted to achieve? With a pen and paper in hand, Akira begins to list the things he wants to do before being eaten by zombies. Some of the goals aren’t grand, such as cleaning his room, which may seem like a tiny feat, but for him, it’s a significant task. What’s enjoyable are the montage scenes depicting Akira’s excitement and optimism for his newfound freedom. 

Although the horror genre is filled with zombie classics such as Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and the highly acclaimed Train to Busan, director Yuske Ishida and writer Tatsuro Mishima have created a refreshing concept for Zom 100’s story. Skilfully combining humour, fast-paced action scenes, and, of course, zombies, it results in an entertaining watch. 

However, an irritating aspect of the storyline feels as though it’s being drilled into us, whether we want to hear it or not, and that’s Akira’s friendship with his best friend, Kencho (Shuntaro Yanagi). We as an audience don’t see the storyline between the two properly fleshed out, and while it does try to provide the story some structure, it comes across as an odd pairing – Akira is supposedly weak for appearing happy and is labelled a useless virgin, while Kencho, on the other hand, is unlikable from the beginning. Nonetheless, this fuels our desire to root for Akira, to prove everyone wrong, and to see him thrive. Part of this comes down to Eijii Akaso’s excellent acting skills; he does carry the film with his upbeat attitude. 

As we continue watching the film, we’re introduced to more individuals who add to the confusion and chaos. For instance, the independent and seemingly cold woman, Shizuka (Mai Shiraishi), shakes up the dynamic. Now, as a trio, they begin to check off wholesome activities, showing that the real joy of life comes from the simple things, as well as the importance of friendship. These cheesy montage scenes could be seen as filler as we approach the latter half, but instead, they add humanity to what would otherwise be a rather one-dimensional narrative.

While the storyline tropes aren’t groundbreaking, and if you’ve watched plenty of zombie films, you know the generic 101 rule is to not stay in groups, the little twists towards the end are unexpected, no matter how silly they are. For those who’ve had a long day on their nine-to-five feeling like a zombie, this film will take you out of that haze for a few short hours to give you some much-needed laughs. With over sixteen volumes and the ongoing manga series, there is plenty of room for expansion in this weird and wonderful franchise.

The moral of the story: live your life, be your own hero, and who cares if delusion is all you have? 

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Written by Kirsty Bright

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