The opening shot of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead lingers on Akira Tendo’s gaunt face illuminated by the harsh fluorescent lights of his office cubicle. The camera doesn’t flinch from the dark circles under his eyes or the slackness in his posture, capturing a moment of quiet despair that speaks volumes about modern corporate life. Director Yusuke Ishida establishes this image as the film’s emotional ground zero—a portrait of existential exhaustion that will become the catalyst for Akira’s transformation.

Based on the manga by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata, this Netflix adaptation stars Eiji Akaso as Akira Tendo, a 24-year-old office worker whose spirit has been systematically crushed by three years of abusive management and relentless overtime. When a zombie apocalypse suddenly erupts in Tokyo, Akira’s first reaction isn’t panic or terror—it’s relief. The collapse of societal structures offers him the freedom he’s always craved from his oppressive work environment.

Where Zom 100 truly shines is in its tonal balancing act. Ishida deftly blends genuine horror with absurdist comedy, creating a survival narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. The film’s practical zombie effects are particularly noteworthy, especially in the climactic sequence where Akira faces off against his former boss (Kazuki Kitamura), now transformed into a grotesque undead monstrosity. This confrontation isn’t just physically intense—it carries emotional weight as Akira finally stands up to the man who made his life miserable.

Akaso delivers a performance that anchors the film’s emotional core. His transformation from listless corporate drone to determined survivor is compelling, particularly in quieter moments like his late-night cleaning spree set to KANA-BOON’s energetic opening theme “Song of the Dead.” This sequence perfectly captures Akira’s newfound sense of purpose, as he takes joy in simple tasks that were previously drudgery. The supporting cast adds depth and humor, with Mai Shiraishi standing out as Shizuka Mikazuki—a blunt but kind-hearted woman who becomes one of Akira’s closest allies.

The film’s strengths lie in its ability to use the zombie genre as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes. At its heart, Zom 100 is about the struggle between creativity and freedom versus the prison of corporate life. Akira’s bucket list isn’t just about surviving—it’s about rediscovering what it means to live fully. This theme resonates particularly strongly in today’s work-obsessed culture, making the film feel surprisingly relevant despite its fantastical premise.

However, Zom 100 stumbles in its pacing during the middle act. The narrative struggles under the weight of too many bucket list items, some more engaging than others. A sequence involving a haunted house feels particularly out of place, disrupting the film’s momentum and diluting its emotional impact. Additionally, the subplot about the pharmaceutical company Umbriel’s involvement in the outbreak is introduced too late and feels underdeveloped, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

The score by Yoshiaki Dewa enhances both the horror and comedic elements of the film. Tracks like “Happiness of the Dead” provide an eerie counterpoint to Akira’s increasingly bizarre adventures, while the cinematography makes excellent use of Tokyo’s iconic locations, transforming familiar sights into post-apocalyptic playgrounds. The film’s visual style is particularly effective in sequences where Akira and his companions navigate the city’s now-abandoned landmarks.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead succeeds as a unique blend of genres that uses the zombie trope to explore themes of freedom and self-discovery. It will appeal particularly to viewers who enjoy dark comedies with horror elements, as well as those interested in exploring the psychological toll of modern work culture. The film’s strengths lie in its performances, particularly Akaso’s nuanced portrayal of Akira’s transformation, and its creative use of familiar zombie tropes to tell a fresh story.

While not without its flaws—particularly in pacing and plot development—the film ultimately delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.