Summary
"Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End delivers a tense, emotionally engaging Spanish zombie horror experience featuring Francisco Ortiz and his feline companion Lúculo in a compelling survival journey that sets up a potential franchise."
A year after the death of his partner, Manel (Francisco Ortiz) lives alone in Galicia with his beloved cat, Lúculo, when a rabies-like disease begins to spread across Europe. His sister, Belén (Marta Poveda), is evacuated to the Canary Islands due to her husband’s military involvement. With flights grounded and the virus rapidly escalating, Belén urges Manel to stay put and wait it out. However, as food supplies dwindle, he makes the perilous decision to journey to the Canary Islands—with Lúculo by his side.
As far as zombie outbreak films go, Apocalypse Z doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it holds its own with confidence. The infected are fast, the virus mutates quickly, and the transformation process is terrifyingly swift. Despite familiar tropes, the film remains gripping, thanks to its intense pacing and strong emotional core.
I was fully invested in Manel’s survival—and, just as importantly, in the fate of his cat. The performances across the board are excellent, drawing you deeper into the desperate fight for survival. Director Carles Torrens (PET) does a superb job adapting Manel Loureiro’s novel, delivering a tense, pulse-pounding horror experience that pulls no punches.
With two more books in the Apocalypse Z series, the film leaves the door wide open for a sequel.
Final Verdict
Spanish horror consistently delivers some true gems, and Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End is no exception. If you love zombie films, you won’t be disappointed. The addition of a feline companion—much like A Quiet Place: Day One—adds an extra layer of emotional investment. And for those worried about Lúculo’s fate, rest assured: he survives.
