The Night Eats the World

This is a French thriller that landed quietly back in 2018, and I feel like it flew under a lot of people's radars. "The Night Eats the World" follows Sam, who wakes up after a party in Paris only to realize the world has basically ended while he was out—zombies have taken over, and he’s completely alone in a locked apartment building. The setup is eerie and lonely, and right from the opening scenes, you get that sinking feeling of isolation that’s almost suffocating. It isn’t your usual zombie movie; it’s quieter and a lot more focused on what it’s like to be the last one left.

What really stands out in this one is how much the director leans into atmosphere and suspense. There’s hardly any dialogue for big chunks of the film, and the silence is oppressive—you start noticing every creak and groan of the old building just like Sam does. The feeling of being trapped is so palpable, and the film makes really clever use of sound (or the lack of it). It’s a slow burn, but I never found it dull; it feels more like an existential thriller than pure horror.

One thing that doesn’t land for everyone is just how minimal the movie is. The plot is razor-thin on events—more about watching Sam adapt and slowly unravel, rather than big, dramatic set pieces. I think that’s a deliberate choice, but if you want action or heavy plot twists, this might not scratch that itch. Also, the pacing can almost stall at times. Still, it nails the dread in those empty hallways and the psychological stress of waiting for something—anything—to change.

Anders Danielsen Lie, who plays Sam, is really great here. He has to carry almost the entire film, and so much of his performance is just body language and facial expression. There's just enough of other people and flashbacks to flesh things out, but it really is a one-man show. Visually, it’s not flashy but it’s haunting—the depopulated Paris feels almost more dangerous than the zombies.

You would enjoy this if you like thrillers that lean hard into mood and isolation, or if you’ve ever wanted a more introspective and realistic spin on the post-apocalyptic story. If you liked things like "28 Days Later" but wished they were quieter—or if you just want something different from the usual endless zombie onslaughts—this is worth a try.