World War II is undoubtedly the historical conflict that has seen the most screen time. Some of the best books, games, and movies of all time take place during those six eventful years. Many modern WWII films can be dull deep dives into the historical minutiae aimed at the elderly, but films likeOverlordprove that there’s still a lot of fun to be had with the era.
The linebetween horror and actionis often ill-defined. The easiest distinction would be whether the victims can fruitfully fight back. However, some classic horror films allow their heroes to deal as much damage as their villains. A truly great example can balance being a compelling action roller coaster and a terrifying horror experience.
RELATED:5 Lesser-Known War Horror Films
What isOverlordabout?
In an alternate history, the day before D-Day, a squad of American paratroopers is flown into Germany to deal with a radio signal jammer before the Normandy landings. As they near their target, their plane is shot down. Only four soldiers survive the attack, but the squad’s new de facto leader Corporal Ford insists on completing their mission. Ford and his men, Boyce, Tibbet, and Chase, happen upon a young woman named Chloe, who happens to live near the target. The Americans quickly learn that the Nazis have been kidnapping the villagers for an increasingly awful series of horrific experiments. After Boyce and Ford capture a Nazi who has been threatening Chloe, they’re forced to dig deeper into thehorrors of their actions. They’re outgunned and behind enemy lines, but fascist soldiers are far from the scariest thing they’ll have to deal with.
What makesOverlorda good horror movie?
Everyone and their mom has comparedOverlordto a video game. In that spirit, the film is like aCall of Dutytitle that gradually transforms intoResident Evil.Call of Duty’sown “Nazi Zombies” gameplaymode that emerged inWorld at Warand has remained iconic is another frequent point of comparison. Though the comparisons to video games are fair since its storytelling feels like a level-based first-person shooter with heavy horror elements, the film was clearly more inspired by other sources. The gratuitous gore and unapologetic violence are reminiscent of 70s grindhouse action. It’s a tawdry dive into the depths of depravity, seen through the eyes of a drafted soldier who is just trying to survive.
Overlordis unique in its sincerity. A film likeInglourious Basterdsimagines an alternate history in which insidious Nazis are pummeled into a paste, and everyone points and laughs as well they should.Overlorddoes much of the same, but it isn’t winking at the audience at all. It’s sincerely offering the Nazis as incontrovertible cartoon villains, complete with mad science and nightmare monsters. It’s sincerely pitching its idealistic soldiers and their French civilian ally as genuine heroes who are putting their lives on the line to save the day. There’s zero moral complexity here. Part of this is a consequence of the political climate. This is a film that came out only a year afterWolfenstein: The New Colossuswas met with genuine outrage forits “No more Nazis” ad campaign.Overlordpresents a stark, brutal world in which evil will prevail if it’s not opposed with overwhelming violence. That violence is what makes the otherwise thrilling film frightening.
From the beginning of the second act, the film is a non-stop parade of horrors. Gore fills the screen, disembodied parts of human beings continue to struggle, and there’s always the risk of a fate worse than death. The film features a healthy dose of body horror in its depiction of monsters. Every abomination is a victim of the Nazis' terrible experiments. The highest-ranking villain even uses thethreat of transformation totorment Chloe early in the film. When things go sideways, turning into a monster becomes the only way to survive. There’s something so powerful in the simple pleasure of seeing the horrors of war violently bludgeoned to death by the uncomplicated forces of good. It’s a rare treat among horror films, andOverlorddelivers it while remaining scary.
What movies are similar toOverlord?
Dangerous Nazi experiments are pretty common in horror films. Joel Schumacher’s 2009 filmBlood Creekcaptures a lot ofthe same campy bloodlust. For a much funnier take on the material, check outDead Snow. That film swiftly became the most popular “Nazi zombie” movie and spawned a sequel. The 2002 war horror filmDeathwatchis also a strong entry in the war horror genre.
Overlorddidn’t do great at the box office, but critics tended to be fond of it. As a streaming offering, it found a strong audience.Overlordis a ton of fun. It’s a reminder of the fun that can be had with a simple alternate history premise. It’s a collage of tried and true concepts that blend perfectly into athrilling action horror film.
