Warm Bodies (2013)

Jonathan Levine’s Warm Bodies is a unique blend of romance, comedy, and horror that flips the zombie genre on its head. Instead of focusing solely on gore and apocalypse survival, it gives us an oddly sweet love story told from the perspective of a zombie. Based on Isaac Marion’s 2010 novel of the same name, the film dives into themes of empathy, transformation, and second chances.

Detailed Summary

The Life (or Half-Life) of R

The film opens with the introduction of R (Nicholas Hoult), a zombie who shuffles aimlessly through an abandoned airport. Unlike other zombies, he has an inner monologue, sharing his thoughts about life, loneliness, and his strange yearning for something more. He collects vinyl records, trinkets, and seems to desperately cling to remnants of humanity.

The Hunt and the Encounter with Julie

On a food run with other zombies, R encounters Julie (Teresa Palmer), a human survivor, and her group. During the attack, R kills Perry (Julie’s boyfriend) but, crucially, he also eats Perry’s brain, which gives him access to Perry’s memories. This emotional influx makes R feel love for Julie. Instead of killing her, he saves her from the other zombies and hides her in his makeshift home inside an airplane.

Bonding in the Airport

Over the next few days, Julie and R form an unlikely connection. He plays her music, shows her his collection of human artifacts, and slowly begins speaking more clearly. Their growing bond triggers subtle changes in R’s behavior—his heart literally starts to beat again, symbolizing his return to life.

The Boneys Threat

Not all zombies are capable of change. The Boneys, skeletal and feral zombies who have given up on humanity completely, see R’s transformation as a threat. They hunt Julie and R, forcing the pair to flee.

Returning to the Human World

Julie eventually escapes back to her walled-off city, where her father, Colonel Grigio (John Malkovich), leads the human survivors. R, desperate not to lose her, follows her there with the help of his zombie friend M (Rob Corddry). As more zombies begin to “heal” through memories, love, and human connection, they rally behind R.

Movie Ending

The climax unfolds with a massive battle between humans, zombies, and Boneys. While the Boneys try to kill both groups, the “healing zombies” fight alongside the humans to protect Julie. In a dramatic moment, R and Julie are cornered and leap into a pool to escape the Boneys. Emerging from the water, R is wounded by a gunshot from Colonel Grigio, but when the humans realize R bleeds like a human, it’s undeniable proof that he is changing.

Colonel Grigio, though initially skeptical, is forced to recognize that the zombies are regaining their humanity. With this breakthrough, humans and recovering zombies unite against the Boneys, ultimately defeating them. The film ends with the wall separating the city from the outside world being torn down. Zombies begin transitioning back into human society, learning how to live again, and R, now fully alive, shares a kiss with Julie as they look toward a hopeful future together.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Warm Bodies does not include any post-credits scenes. Once the credits roll, the story is finished.

Type of Movie

The film is a romantic comedy with horror and fantasy elements, often described as a “zom-rom-com.” It mixes dark humor with touching romance while maintaining its undead twist.

Cast

• Nicholas Hoult as R
• Teresa Palmer as Julie Grigio
• Rob Corddry as M
• John Malkovich as Colonel Grigio
• Dave Franco as Perry Kelvin
• Analeigh Tipton as Nora Greene

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, blending emotional undertones with quirky, upbeat tracks that mirror the offbeat romance. The soundtrack features standout songs like “Shelter from the Storm” (Bob Dylan), “Hungry Heart” (Bruce Springsteen), and “Midnight City” (M83), all used to reflect R’s journey toward humanity.

Filming Locations

Warm Bodies was shot primarily in Montreal, Canada. The city’s cold, urban setting provided a bleak post-apocalyptic backdrop while abandoned structures and industrial areas served as perfect zombie-haunted landscapes.

Awards and Nominations

The film wasn’t a heavy awards contender, but it gained recognition for its originality and tone. Highlights include:

• Teen Choice Award nominations for Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer
• Saturn Award nomination for Best Horror/Thriller Film

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Nicholas Hoult studied classic zombie films to create R’s stiff, awkward movements but made them just human enough to seem sympathetic.
• Teresa Palmer has said she and Hoult improvised many of their quieter scenes to build natural chemistry.
• Director Jonathan Levine emphasized that the movie is not just a zombie story but a metaphor for social alienation and reconnection.
• The Boneys were mostly CGI, created by artists who also worked on Harry Potter films.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on Isaac Marion’s novel Warm Bodies, which itself was loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The parallels are clear: R and Julie, the warring sides (humans vs zombies), and even the balcony-like scene when R confesses his feelings.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• A deleted scene included R struggling more intensely with his guilt after killing Perry, which added weight to his redemption arc.
• Another cut scene showed Julie reflecting on her mother’s death, providing more backstory.
• The theatrical ending remains faithful to the book, though the novel spends more time exploring how society rebuilds after the wall falls.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• The novel is darker and more philosophical, diving deeper into R’s inner thoughts and struggles.
• In the book, Perry’s memories linger much longer, creating a stronger inner conflict for R.
• The film simplifies some subplots and adds more humor to make it appealing to a wider audience.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• R saving Julie for the first time, smearing zombie blood on her to disguise her.
• Julie teaching R how to drive a car.
• The pool sequence where R proves he can bleed.
• The moment R’s heart beats again for the first time.

Iconic Quotes

• R: “I’m dead, but it’s not so bad. I mean, I get to ride escalators.”
• Julie: “What are you?”
• R: “I don’t know… I’m different.”
• Nora (about R): “Bitches, man.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• R’s name is a nod to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet.
• Julie’s full name, Julie Grigio, references the wine “Pinot Grigio,” a playful nod to the romantic tone.
• The balcony scene between R and Julie is a direct homage to Shakespeare’s classic play.
• The number “8” keeps appearing in R’s life, symbolizing infinity and rebirth.

Trivia

• The film was released on Valentine’s Day weekend, aligning perfectly with its romantic angle.
• Nicholas Hoult previously played a very different kind of “monster” in X-Men: First Class as Beast.
• Teresa Palmer admitted she was a fan of zombie films long before being cast.

Why Watch?

If you love romantic comedies but want something fresh, or if zombie films feel too bleak for your taste, Warm Bodies is a perfect middle ground. It’s quirky, heartfelt, and carries a surprising amount of emotional depth beneath its undead surface.

Director’s Other Movies (Jonathan Levine)

• 50/50 (2011)
• The Wackness (2008)
• Snatched (2017)
• Long Shot (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Shaun of the Dead (2004)
• Zombieland (2009)
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
• Life After Beth (2014)
• Edward Scissorhands (1990)