Movie Review: ‘Operation Immortal’ delivers gritty war horror with haunting humanity

Directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri, ‘Operation Immortal’ takes viewers on a unique journey through the horrors of both war and the living dead.

Set in the first days of World War II, the film is about the struggles of Thai soldiers defending their homeland against Japanese invaders. When a biological weapon turns soldiers into zombies, the brutal reality of war merges with the horror to create an immersive, emotionally charged experience that stands out among genre films.

At the heart of ‘Operation Immortal’ is Sergeant Mek (Chanon Santinatornkul), a loyal Thai soldier excited for a future with his girlfriend and unborn child. His less committed younger brother, Mok (Awat Ratanapintha), finds himself caught up in the chaos of war as Japanese forces close in.

Their situation becomes terrifying when an experimental weapon infects the soldiers and turns them into zombies. Forced to confront both the enemy army and their former allies who have become immortal, Mek and Mok’s bond is tested in an environment where the cruelty and human cost of war is brought into sharp focus.

Khomsiri deftly balances the adrenaline of wartime action with introspective, haunting moments that resonate deeply. Inspired by ‘Saving Private Ryan’, it weaves together stunning battle scenes and shocking moments of brutality.

But as the zombie virus spreads, ‘Operation Immortal’ shifts gears, adding an unexpected layer to the horror genre by depicting infected soldiers not just as mindless creatures but also as people clinging on to fragments of memory and grief.

Mok’s horror as he realizes he has harmed others, even a small child, adds a haunting realism that underlines the emotional toll of war.

One standout scene features Mok and his undead unit singing a song about their shattered dreams; it’s a powerful reminder of youth before war and infection stole it away. Moments like these distinguish ‘Operation Immortal’ from standard zombie movies, making it a film that uses horror not just for thrills but as a lens through which to examine the psychological scars of war.

Like Bob Clark’s ‘Deathdream,’ Khomsiri uses the tropes of the genre to explore themes of trauma, regret, and tragedy as people become casualties of wars orchestrated by forces beyond their control.

‘Operation Immortal’ succeeds by going beyond the gore and giving viewers a raw, thought-provoking look at the brutality of war between the living and the undead alike.

This combination of action, horror and humanity creates a powerful, unforgettable experience that leaves viewers not only horrified by the violence on screen, but also moved by the tragic loss and lasting effects of conflict.

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