Zombies: A Living History

The timeline spans from ancient myths (such as the Epic of Gilgamesh) to medieval revenants, through to early modern fears and 20th-century plagues, up to contemporary zombie discourse. It contrasts historical beliefs with modern scientific and mathematical approaches to outbreaks. By weaving these eras together, the documentary shows how the concept of the undead evolves with culture and knowledge.

The film travels across continents and eras to map zombie myths and historical outbreaks. It highlights places where undead lore emerged—from Haiti's Vodou traditions to China's Jiang Shi, and across Norse, English, and Greco-Roman legends, as well as ancient Mesopotamia. It also references modern research hubs like Canada to illustrate how scholars model and study these phenomena today.

🧭 Survival

Survival is a central thread across cultures and eras, highlighting how communities might fortify homes, manage resources, and plan for long-term collapse. The film emphasizes practical strategies for defense, mobility, and coordination in the face of a widespread threat. It connects historical cautionary tales to modern preparedness.

🌍 Culture

Zombie lore serves as a cultural mirror, reflecting each society's fears, myths, and historical anxieties. The documentary catalogs legends from Haiti, China, Arabia, Scandinavia, and Europe, showing how different traditions reinterpret the undead. It demonstrates that zombie narratives evolve with language, religion, and social structure.

🔬 Science vs Myth

The film juxtaposes folklore with scientific inquiry, arguing that biology and mathematical modelling illuminate outbreaks as much as myths do. It shows scholars arguing about what could cause a 'zombie' scenario in real terms, from pathogens to cognitive decline. This tension drives the narrative, grounding sensational tales in empirical discussion.