Tubi FrightFest Review – Colony (2026)

      Colony, 2026.

      Directed by Yeon Sang-ho.

      Featuring Gianna Jun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rock, and Go Soo.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Professor Se-jeong (Ji-hyun) finds herself caught in a horrific situation when a rapidly evolving virus is unleashed at a biotechnology conference, prompting authorities to lock down the facility. Trapped with no way out, Se-jeong, along with a small group of survivors, must battle to stay alive while the infected undergo terrifying transformations.

      Yeon Sang-ho is well-versed in the zombie genre; his 2016 film, Train to Busan, is often regarded as one of the greatest zombie movies made. While I might not fully agree with that assessment, it’s fair to say it brought a refreshing change to the genre. Now, in 2026, he presents Colony, which represents a new evolution in zombie storytelling. This appropriately grim and slippery zombie horror film introduces a novel concept that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

      Colony’s original approach lies in its zombies’ hive-mind intelligence facilitated by a mycelium network. This is crucial because when one zombie learns to differentiate between a cardboard cutout of a human and an actual person, they all gain that knowledge. This aspect becomes advantageous for the survivors, led by Professor Se-jeong (Gianna Jun), enabling them to deceive the zombies by masking themselves with antifreeze to simulate the strong scent of perfume that attracts the undead.

      Furthermore, the threat evolves throughout the film; unlike many zombie films where viewers may joke about outrunning the slow walkers, here, the threat escalates as zombies start by crawling, but if one learns to run, they all can. If one discovers the survivors' location, they all do. This allows our characters to engage in genuinely intelligent tactics against the viral menace, avoiding the frustratingly foolish moments that typically reintroduce danger in conventional zombie films. There’s only one scene in Colony where a character acts inexplicably foolish.

      To make any zombie film effective, the survivors must be engaging, as viewers want to cheer for their survival during the outbreak. The survivors in this film succeed well in this regard. Gianna Jun delivers a strong performance as Professor Se-jeong, employing her scientific expertise to guide the group while also discovering how to form connections after years of solitude. Ji Chang-wook shines as Choi Hyun-seok, a security team member who carries his disabled sister, adding a level of tension and horror as the zombies start to mimic their movements.

      The antagonist, Seo Young-cheol, portrayed skillfully by Koo Kyo-hwan, is another highlight. Early on, we learn of his connection to the hive mind, allowing him to see through the zombies’ eyes, which creates genuinely suspenseful moments. While the zombies may be mindless, he is not; he is a clever psychopath who views his terrorist actions as a twisted experiment. The supporting cast is also solid, though they do tend to fit into familiar archetypes found in the genre.

      The film’s set design and makeup may be its strongest elements. The zombies appear grotesque from the outset, spewing white liquid as their bodies contort on the ground. As the fungus spreads across the walls, the previously normal building turns into a disgusting, slimy infestation. This is a clever way to illustrate the virus’s spread without repeatedly showing people turning into zombies.

      Colony demonstrates that Yeon Sang-ho still knows how to craft an engaging and captivating zombie film. Both tense and repulsive, the movie is an enjoyable reminder that the zombie genre can still be innovative. I was captivated from the very beginning through the credits, providing an experience that was genuinely entertaining.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Ewing