A horror series described by viewers as 'genuinely scary and disconcerting' is currently gripping audiences on Netflix in the UK. The show, which has earned a reputation as one of the platform's most intense undead offerings, is attracting fans of franchises like The Walking Dead and 28 Days Later.
The Premise of a Relentless Apocalypse
Black Summer first launched on the streaming service in 2019 and concluded after two seasons, totalling a tight 16 episodes. The narrative centres on a desperate group of strangers forced to band together for survival in the chaotic early days of a zombie apocalypse. The story's primary focus is Rose, a mother tragically separated from her daughter, Anna, as society collapses around them.
The series was created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams and serves as a spin-off to the Syfy channel's horror drama Z Nation, which aired from 2014 to 2018. It features an entirely new cast, led by Jaime King in the role of Rose, with Zoe Marlett portraying her daughter.
A Divisive Reception Among Viewers
Despite its experienced production team, Black Summer received a decidedly mixed reaction upon its premiere. Many viewers were instantly captivated by its brutal, uncompromising tone. One fan on IMDb praised it as 'the darkest zombie programme I have seen', highlighting the absence of traditional 'good guys' and the show's stark portrayal of human survival instinct.
Another viewer noted, 'I had average expectations but was gripped from start to end. Cleverly shot with a real time feel, the characters are fascinating and acting to match.' The show's cinematography and relentless atmosphere were frequently singled out for praise.
However, not all feedback was positive. Some audience members on Rotten Tomatoes found the pacing problematic, with one commenting, 'For a show with a lot of action, somehow it managed to be boring.' Another criticised the execution, stating the producers had 'found a way to make a show with fast moving, genuinely terrifying zombies into a slow and boring mess.'
Critical Acclaim and Where to Watch
The critical reception, however, tells a different story. Black Summer holds an impressive 85% approval rating from professional critics on Rotten Tomatoes, though this is contrasted by a more modest 62% score from general audiences. This disparity underscores the show's polarising nature.
For UK viewers keen to form their own opinion, the entire series is available to stream now on Netflix. The show continues to be a topic of discussion for horror aficionados seeking a raw and terrifying take on the well-worn zombie genre.
