Watch Soldiers of the Damned
- TV-MA
- 2015
- 1 hr 39 min
-
3.9 (892)
Soldiers of the Damned is a 2015 horror-thriller film directed by Mark Nuttall and starring Gil Darnell, Miriam Cooke, and Lucas Hansen. The film is set in Eastern Europe during the Second World War and follows a squad of British soldiers who are tasked with investigating a mysterious village that has gone dark. The opening sequence of the film sets the ominous tone with a group of soldiers being ambushed by a group of Nazi zombies. The scene is gruesome and sets up the dangerous predicament that the main characters will face throughout the rest of the movie. From here, we are introduced to our protagonists, led by Sergeant Jack Stone (Gil Darnell), who are briefed on their mission and sent deep into the heart of enemy territory.
As the squad navigates through the lush forest, we get a sense of the tension that lies beneath the surface. Each soldier is on edge, constantly scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger. The scouts discover a village that seems to have been abandoned, and as the soldiers begin to search the area, they realize they are not alone.
The tension escalates as the squad encounters strange occurrences, such as mutilated animal carcasses and odd symbols etched into the walls of buildings. When the soldiers come across a group of people who are clearly disturbed, they begin to piece together the truth behind the village's disappearance. However, it is not until they uncover a Nazi laboratory deep beneath the town that the true horror is revealed.
One of the strongest aspects of the movie is the use of atmosphere. The eerie, foreboding forest creates a palpable sense of dread that seeps into each scene. The set design is excellent, with the village being constructed in such a way that it feels like a maze, constantly disorienting the characters and adding to the overall creepiness of the situation.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the movie is the characters themselves. Each soldier is given a backstory and a distinct personality, which makes it all the more upsetting when they meet their grisly end. Sergeant Jack Stone is a standout character, portrayed brilliantly by Gil Darnell. He is a stoic, determined leader who refuses to leave anyone behind, even when it means putting himself in danger.
Miriam Cooke gives a fantastic performance as Anna, a woman who is found in the village and taken under the soldiers' protection. Her character adds a much-needed element of heart to the otherwise grim and hopeless situation. Lucas Hansen plays Private John Neal, a soldier who is struggling with his conscience after a traumatic event earlier in the war. His character arc is compelling, and his ultimate fate is one of the most emotionally affecting moments in the entire movie.
The film's main villain is unequivocally evil, with no explanation given for his actions beyond his allegiance to the Third Reich. However, this does not detract from his effectiveness as an antagonist. His sadistic experiments on the villagers and the soldiers are horrific, and the audience is left wondering just how far he will go.
The movie is not without its flaws. Some of the special effects are a bit underwhelming, and the pacing drags in the middle section. However, these issues are ultimately minor, and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
In conclusion, Soldiers of the Damned is a well-crafted horror-thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. The movie's attention to detail in terms of atmosphere, set design, and character development make it stand out from other entries in the genre. While not perfect, the film is a solid effort that is sure to leave an impression on viewers.
Soldiers of the Damned is a 2015 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.