Dead Set is not really a "movie" per say; it was actually a 5-part miniseries aired a few weeks ago on E4, the pay cable counterpart to the UK's "alternative" TV station, Channel 4. It revolves around the "Big Brother" house, which although we have an American version of "Big Brother," it is certainly nowhere near the huge cultural phenomenon that it is in the UK. The Big Brother house is the only safe place in the world it seems, as it has been "fan proofed." I won't go into any more detail, because you need to see this for yourselves.If you don't like fast zombies, I would suggest not watching this. The zombies are just as fast and just as strong as they were when they were alive, which I think is a fascinating concept. They get around this clear violation of zombie law by never actually referring to them as "zombies," nor do they say what caused the outbreak. So since they are technically not "zombies" (Even though they totally are, does Mr. Brooker think I'm stupid or somethin'?) they get away with it. The fast zombies make for an even more nerve-wracking program. It is much, much gorier than anything you would ever see on American television. Or even in some American zombie films, really.
There was a definite, undeniable homage to Irréversible in one episode. Other than that, it wasn't very referential or derivative, if at all, and that is quite refreshing. The look of it was very stark, everything got progressively more gray and washed out as it went along. The story was actually really good, really funny at times. I was extremely impressed. I also liked that the female characters, especially Kelly, were all very strong and resourceful. They weren't just eye candy or an "annoyance," as women are usually portrayed in zombie films. Just one more reason why I wish my TV only picked up UK stations.
Grade: A
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