28 Days Later & The Crazies: Zombie Comparison
The question of whether the infected individuals in 28 Days Later and The Crazies qualify as zombies is a popular topic among horror fans. While both films depict outbreaks that transform people into aggressive, altered versions of themselves, there are key differences that spark debate. Let's dive into the characteristics of the infected in each movie and explore why the zombie label might or might not apply.
28 Days Later: The Rage Virus
Understanding the Infection
In 28 Days Later, the cause of the transformation is the "Rage" virus, a highly contagious disease that turns individuals into hyper-aggressive beings almost instantly. This virus, unleashed from a research lab, spreads rapidly through bodily fluids, making even a scratch or bite a potential death sentence. The infected, often referred to as "the infected" rather than zombies, exhibit extreme speed and heightened aggression, distinguishing them from the classic, slow-moving undead.
Characteristics of the Infected
- Speed and Agility: Unlike traditional zombies, the infected in 28 Days Later are incredibly fast and agile. They can sprint, jump, and maintain a relentless pursuit, making them terrifyingly difficult to evade. This speed is one of the most significant departures from typical zombie lore.
- Aggression and Rage: The virus induces pure, unadulterated rage. Infected individuals are driven by an uncontrollable urge to attack and infect others. This aggression is their primary motivation, overriding any sense of self-preservation or rational behavior.
- Living vs. Undead: A crucial distinction is that the infected are still alive. They are not reanimated corpses but rather living beings whose minds and bodies have been hijacked by the virus. This means they still require oxygen and can die from conventional means, such as starvation or blood loss.
- Physical Appearance: The infected often have bloodshot eyes and a generally disheveled appearance, reflecting their state of constant frenzy. However, they do not exhibit the decaying flesh typically associated with zombies.
- Behavioral Patterns: The infected are primarily driven by sight and sound, reacting quickly to any stimuli that might indicate the presence of a potential victim. They often congregate in groups, creating hordes that can overwhelm the uninfected.
Why They Might Not Be Zombies
The most compelling argument against classifying the infected as zombies is that they are not undead. They are living beings consumed by a virus, maintaining biological functions and vulnerabilities. Traditional zombies, on the other hand, are reanimated corpses, often depicted as immune to pain and requiring destruction of the brain to be stopped. 28 Days Later presents a more scientifically plausible (albeit still fictional) scenario of viral infection leading to extreme behavioral changes.
The Crazies: Trixie Virus
Understanding the Infection
The Crazies (both the original 1973 film and the 2010 remake) features a different kind of outbreak caused by the Trixie virus. This virus contaminates the water supply of a small town, transforming its residents into violent, deranged individuals. Unlike the instantaneous effects of the Rage virus, the Trixie virus has a more gradual and varied impact on its victims.
Characteristics of the Infected
- Varied Symptoms: The Trixie virus doesn't uniformly turn people into raging monsters. Instead, it induces a range of psychological and behavioral changes. Some become homicidally violent, while others exhibit paranoia, delusions, or a complete detachment from reality. This variation in symptoms sets them apart from the singular aggression of the 28 Days Later infected.
- Loss of Reason: While not always overtly aggressive, the infected in The Crazies suffer from a significant loss of rational thought. Their actions are often unpredictable and driven by distorted perceptions of reality. This mental deterioration is a key characteristic of their altered state.
- Slower Progression: The transformation in The Crazies is not as immediate as in 28 Days Later. It takes time for the virus to incubate and for the symptoms to manifest. This slower progression allows for a more gradual exploration of the psychological impact of the outbreak on both the infected and the uninfected.
- Physical Appearance: The infected in The Crazies do not undergo significant physical changes. They look like ordinary people, which makes them even more unsettling. The horror lies in the realization that anyone, even a trusted neighbor or family member, could be a potential threat.
- Cognitive Impairment: The Trixie virus primarily affects the mind, leading to cognitive impairment and erratic behavior. While physical strength might be a factor in their violent outbursts, it is the mental instability that makes them dangerous.
Why They Might Not Be Zombies
Similar to the infected in 28 Days Later, the victims of the Trixie virus are not undead. They are living individuals whose minds have been compromised by a pathogen. Although their behavior is drastically altered, they are still alive and susceptible to conventional forms of harm. The focus in The Crazies is more on the psychological and societal breakdown caused by the infection rather than the physical reanimation of corpses.
Key Differences and the Zombie Definition
To determine whether the infected in these films can be considered zombies, it's essential to define what constitutes a zombie. Traditionally, zombies are defined as reanimated corpses that crave human flesh. They are undead, often slow-moving, and can only be stopped by destroying the brain. However, the zombie concept has evolved over time, with some interpretations including living individuals infected with a virus or parasite that alters their behavior.
Speed and Undead Nature
The infected in 28 Days Later are fast and alive, while classic zombies are slow and undead. This difference alone is a significant departure from the traditional zombie archetype. The infected in The Crazies are also alive, and their behavior is more varied and psychologically driven than the singular hunger for flesh that characterizes traditional zombies.
Motivations and Behavior
Zombies are typically motivated by a primal urge to feed on the living. The infected in 28 Days Later are driven by rage and aggression, seeking to spread the virus rather than simply consume flesh. The infected in The Crazies exhibit a range of behaviors, from violent outbursts to delusional states, with no single unifying motivation.
The Role of Science
28 Days Later and The Crazies offer more scientifically grounded explanations for their outbreaks than traditional zombie films. The Rage virus and the Trixie virus are presented as plausible (though still fictional) pathogens that can alter human behavior. This emphasis on science distinguishes them from the more supernatural or mystical origins often associated with zombies.
Conclusion: Are They Zombies?
Ultimately, whether the infected in 28 Days Later and The Crazies are considered zombies depends on one's interpretation of the zombie concept. If zombies are strictly defined as reanimated corpses, then neither group qualifies. However, if the definition is broadened to include living individuals infected with a pathogen that alters their behavior, then a case could be made for including them, especially the infected in 28 Days Later, given their horde-like behavior and aggressive nature.
Both films offer compelling and terrifying scenarios of societal breakdown in the face of a rapidly spreading infection. While they may not fit the traditional zombie mold, they contribute to the broader genre of horror and explore the potential consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation and environmental contamination. So, whether you call them infected, crazies, or something else entirely, their impact on the horror landscape is undeniable.