The Last Stand Sociology

Not so surprisingly, zombie apocalypse tales combine multiple subplots other than the horror genre. However, perhaps the most compelling aspect of any zombie media (other than the creatures themselves), are the relationships formed between the characters. Despite this specific brand of horror genre often times revolving around desolate cities or abandoned towns, there is a surprising amount of socialization that occurs. Combined with the pressure of mass hysteria and the need to form alliances, fellow survivors can quickly become the strongest companions. The encouraging prospect of zombie apocalypse tales is that while the main characters may come from completely different backgrounds, they are able to eventually form alliances and rely on

She transforms from a kindergarten teacher that had lost her family to a strategic leader in the war of the infected against the humans. However, her instinctual need to help others had led her to grouping together other infected. Monica recalls, “Everyone was alone. Everyone needed help. As a mother, she wanted to protect them. As a teacher, she wanted to guide them. Within a year, she found herself leading twenty survivors.” This change in attitude during the outbreak explains Monica’s shift being an effect of her desiring to help other survivors in need. Like Jim, Monica evolves as a result of needing to protect her companions. Additionally, to parallel Selena from the film, Gareth poses a form of instructor and partner, when he reassures her of her abilities as a leader. He leans in next to her and says, “Stand tall, babe. You’re in charge now. You own their asses. Don’t ever let them forget that.” His role as Monica’s confidant leads her to structuring some of the best decisions to guide the rest of the survivors and helps her become not just a competent leader, but a admirable

This great transformation was partially due to the power of comradery that both main characters had acquired. In both cases, their need to protect their friends led them to gaining confidence. The zombies in the film, rather than being slow-moving and perpetually hungry, the creatures are violent and tactically spread their symptoms to the rest of the population. It’s no surprise that he is mistaken for the infected by the end. Unlike the zombies however, his motivation lies in his hope of rescue when spotting the aircraft and more importantly, his rage caused by the soldiers. While Jim was sickened by the prospect of encountering the monsters, the audience sees him slowly becoming desensitized to them. This is partially due to him understanding that this is the only way he can survive. However, the more powerful reason lies behind Selena and Hannah’s impact on his life. While stopping at a gas station, Selena admits to him that her ideologies about surviving during the apocalypse are changing. While she allows herself to be more susceptible to being part of a group, Jim becomes colder to the outside world. After their conversation, he enters the store at the gas station, and brutally kills a zombified child without