Autumn (2009 film)

Plot

After a viral outbreak kills 99% of the world's population, scattered survivors come together and attempt to deal with the fall of civilization. They face a new threat when the dead begin to reanimate. Initially catatonic, the corpses slowly regain their senses, become increasingly sensitive to outside stimuli, and show signs of aggression. Eventually, the survivors must fortify themselves against attack and try to find a reason to survive.

Cast

Production

Author David Moody had offers on two of his novels, Autumn and Hater, at the same time. Although Hater had Guillermo Del Toro attached, Moody reasoned that Autumn, as a small independent film, had a greater chance of being made. Moody made both deals and participated in the making of Autumn.

Release

Autumn played at the 2009 Grimm Up North Festival in the UK.

Reception

Reviewing the film while it was still in post-production, Brutal As Hell wrote that the atmosphere and settings of the film are superior to other post-apocalyptic films. Sabrina Bangladesh of Shadowlocked.com wrote that the film is too boring to be "so bad it's good". Mark L. Miller of Ain't It Cool News called it "a thinking man's zombie flick with some fun performances and decent effects." Writing in The Zombie Movie Encyclopedia, Volume 2, academic Peter Dendle called the film "a patient meditation" with a "mournful, serious tone" and "rich aesthetic to many of the scenes."

David Moody, the author of the source novel, said, "Ultimately, although it has some redeeming qualities, and the main cast did a great job, I think it was a disappointment to a lot of people. The filmmakers were really stretched by having to work within a microscopic budget, and there are places where that really shows." The negative reception of Autumn led Dexter Fletcher to direct his own films, which were better received.