When it comes to fiction, especially short stories, I’m totally fine with not knowing why something is happening. In fact, one of my largest strides forward as a writer of horror was when I realized the why of a story is not always necessary. Explanation is far less important than a compelling story and engaging characters. With movies, however, I feel a little different.
I’m not suggesting everything should be spelled out in a film. Ambiguity is fine. But I want at least a hint of explanation! Trace evidence of—maybe, perhaps, it’s possible—why something is happening!
Old People is a German-made film about, well, old people that start killing off younger people. Essentially, it’s a zombie movie, more in the vein of The Crazies than Night of the Living Dead. The old folks aren’t dead; they’re very much still alive and they’ve gone nutso.
The plot revolves around a family wedding in the country, near a small town where a sizable nursing home resides, along with a pretty big elderly population in general. So when the geriatrics start to rage, the young folk are drastically outnumbered. Plus, these old bastards seemingly have renewed strength, speed, and vigor. Just like the cause of their rage is never explained, nor is their sudden ability to sprint up stairs or bash through doors.
Old People has some seriously creepy moments. There is one particular scene that made me holler out in revulsion, reminding me of a similar scene involving an old lady in Drag Me to Hell. It has great moments and manages to keep the viewer intrigued and anxious. The actors were, for the most part, wonderful, especially Jolene Anderson as Ella.
I just wanted to know why the fuck all this was happening! My wife offered some theories based on a couple of scenes, but I have doubts. There isn’t enough there to satisfy my curiosity. And the ending is weak and confusing.
PC3’s Horror and Exploitation Movie Scale of Awesomeness!
Gore - 7
Special Effects - 6
Nudity/Sexuality - 2
Wow Factor - 7
Acting - 8
Fear Factor - 6
Story/Plot/Originality - 3
Cinematography/Atmosphere - 4 (really strange hand-cam shots, at times)
Sound/Music - 5
Fun Factor - 6
Old People scores a 54 PHEMSA. With the quality of much of the film, it could have had a much higher score with more attention paid to the story. The script needed some flushing out. You can find the film on Netflix. And if creepy old people are your thing, check out my Splatterpunk Award-nominated book Grandpappy!