Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Bridge of the Doomed’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

For the most part, zombie themed stories tend to offer us one of two paths storytelling wise. In that, we are either plunged into the aftermath of the dead taking over the world, wherein we travel alongside the survivors of the end and see how they work to maintain their humanity in a world where any vestiges of the past have been erased by the abomination of living death. Or… we are treated to the beginning of the end. Where we are privy to discussions on what it would take to save humanity from the worst-case scenario and where good people do their best to race against the clock and try to stop the inevitable end of everything, and it makes sense as to why zombie stories stick to these two concepts.
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Because both angles, properly explore the wonder of the human condition and what makes us great and what could possibly stave off major disasters if we listen to the message of the movie. And those two plot concepts allow for the story to deeply examine our flaws and how we might fix them. But these concepts also take the center stage, largely because… they keep fear manageable for the audience. For if the story were to focus on the real terror of a zombieapocalypse, where society fails in its goals and begins to collapse… one would be hard pressed to finish the story in a comfortable manner. For we know from experience now, what happens in the middle of a global crisis and how things can fall apart and really, only a handful of zombie horror stories have truly explored the collapse of everything and the ugly that comes with that and it just so happens, that a new horror story from the Mahal Empire is eager to explore such matters in a brave and bold manner.

For Bridge of the Doomed is a motion picture that plunges us into the middle of a true crisis. Where the dead are indeed returning to life and attacking the living and the living… are losing the war against this uncommon and terrifying foe. Which in turn allows for us to meet two key members of the military: General Vasquez and Sergeant Hernandez. The latter of which is forced to help carry out the General’s wishes to defend a critical bridge as part of a plan to eventually retake that which is quickly being lost. A mission that should be a milk run of sorts, but being isolated from major forces and civilization, and regular supplies… puts the Sarge and her unit to the absolute test. One that will force them to ponder upon what it means to be decent in an indecent time and whether or not humanity can be saved when panic is at its peak.

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Which leads to some supremely intense and uncomfortable sequences. Ones that immediately evoke memories of a couple of years ago, when people were hoarding toilet paper for themselves or selfishly fighting to not have to wear a mask in public because they thought their feelings in the midst of a global crisis mattered more than the safety of others. Which makes this film, a perfect examination of what we become at our absolute stressed and lowest, and that makes for a deeply thoughtful and terrifying film. One that is intense in nature and truly leaves the viewer breathless with its anger and sheer savagery, since it really does envision what appears to be the end of everything, and how our own foolishness could accelerate such matters.  
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Not to mention, this is a hardcore zombie film through and through. With plenty of walking and starving and gory corpses to satisfy even the most hardcore horror hound out there. And their arrival in any scene is complete with high-octane action and gore for days on end. In fact, this is a horror flick that features buckets of guts and suffering and well… it works here. Because a savage movie requires savage scenery and the dead… and another surprise on that bridge, absolutely delivers on such matters and add to the intense nature of this motion picture. One that likely has you wondering as to whether it stays in bleak territory from beginning to end or if by chance… offers up a smidge of hope so that this movie isn’t the kind of story that leaves you sitting in the dark in silence once its ended, so you can collect your thoughts and feelings. 

Well… we simply won’t spoil that here. But we will say, the ending fits and it satisfies, and we won’t go into detail simply because you need to experience this motion picture firsthand. Because it is as visceral and raw as they come, and it has plenty to say about our world… if you’re willing to listen. But if not, that’s okay too, because if one isn’t interested in commentary, there’s plenty more to entertain you. In fact, you can easily just switch off your brain and lose yourself within this waking nightmare no problem. Because it offers something for everyone and features some quality performances too, with Kate Watson leading the charge in every way imaginable with her tough-as-nails portrayal of Sgt. Hernandez, and the best news of all, is that you can enjoy this horror story right now. Since Bridge of the Doomed is now available on demand and on disc, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look. For it really is quite the intense and unique ride.

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