Expiration (2011)

“Expiration” is a low budget South African horror film that takes a unique look at zombie-like creatures and how they become that way. It’s a dark and gritty film that keeps the viewer mostly engaged considering some of its challenges. One of the most obvious obstacles that this film could not overcome was the limited space of where the story takes place. The movie is shot almost entirely in a rundown hospital so this means that there is scene after scene in the same rooms, in the same hallways, in the same stair cases. When there is finally a scene that takes place in a new location, the viewer is tempted to jump up and down for joy for finally seeing something new. Other reviews I’ve read about this movie agree with sentiment. But considering that the budget for this film was so low, an estimated $70k, I’m not be too bothered by the retentiveness as others might be.

The film opens with four strangers gathering in a plain white office and signing medical experimentation waivers. Two are there to find a cure for their ailments; one is paralyzed due to a car accident and the other has inoperable brain cancer. The other two are there simply to collect the payment fee of $50k for the five day study. The head medical examiner reminds them that once they sign the form, they are confined for the entire five days. Without hesitation they sign the form and swallow a pill that will sedate them. When they awake, they find themselves being carted through a dirty rundown hospital by military type gunmen who drop them off in a room before quickly exiting the premises. They quickly realize that more than five days have passed (2 months!) and that the two with medical issues are cured. They also realize that they are locked in and when two armed security arrive with guns blazing, they learn that they are locked in with the previous round of experiment candidates who unfortunately suffered dreadful side effects. The rest of the movie turns into a cat and mouse chase with each person fending for themselves.

Favorite moment – The opening scene grabs the attention of the viewer and sets the tone that these are volunteers and they themselves are ultimately responsible for what is about to occur.