COLD SUMMER

A mysterious plague that brings all the dead back to life begins to spread like wildfire in the middle of summer. The causes of this plague are unknown, and there is still no known method to eradicate or contain it; the only thing that is certain is that all the dead have finished resting and begin to walk on earth. In this scenario with apocalyptic touches, there is Frank Cinzano, a man who is making a solo car journey (the exact destination is unknown) to escape the city and take refuge in the desolate countryside; but Frank will find himself, in the total heat, traveling among a crowd of the living dead. Many believe that the only author truly capable of making a valid film about the living dead and thus doing justice to zombies is George A. Romero, the father of all zombies because in 1968 with "Night of the Living Dead" he created the stereotype of the zombie (slow and putrid) that we all know today. Indeed, it is only he who has been able, over the years, to give us fascinating zombie-themed films that can be remembered over time (who doesn't know, by now, films of the caliber of "Night of the Living Dead," "Zombi," or "Day of the Dead"?) But it seems that Romero has found a worthy disciple and, strangely enough, he has found him right in our land, in Italy: I am talking about Claudio Tacchi, an independent Marche-based director, who in 2006 made this beautiful short film lasting 25' and 23'' and titled "The Cold Summer." It is really incredible to notice how an independent director armed only with a great passion for horror, the help of some friends, and a handful of euros, could have given life to a film (albeit a short one) so fascinating that it is decisively superior to all the (big) zombie productions that we receive today. Tacchi's (declared) passion for Romero is evident (note also an explicit reference to this director in the name of the protagonist's cigarettes called "Romero's") and it is noticeable how he has managed to create a work so intent on respecting the times and recreating the due atmospheres that characterized Romero's works. In its simplicity (I remind you that we are talking about a short film), the plot of the film is very functional and essential and is enhanced by a well-assembled screenplay (written by Pierluigi Siena and Claudio Tacchi) and by superb direction. Tacchi moves with great professionalism behind the camera (incredible to know that this is his first work), shows great care for detail and manages to give the work a huge personality. Admirable is also the fact that he managed to convey, only through images (there are no dialogues in the film except for the comments of the radio station), the sense of panic and disorientation that the protagonist experiences, suddenly catapulted into this crazy and terrifying situation. In addition to this feeling of panic, the film also manages to emanate a certain sense of discomfort due to the strong summer heat; the viewer who watches the film will, with great probability, have the impression of being really hot thanks to a particular care in the makeup, the sets, but above all, the beautiful photography (curated by Pierluigi Siena and Claudio Tacchi) that manages to reflect, in full, the "hot" climate of the summer. Really excellent are the zombie makeup effects, optimally realized by Carlo Diamantini and that, in the final rendering, turn out to be really very credible, terrifying, and in perfect Romero's style! Beautiful are also the magnificent natural sets that involve only, and exclusively, endless countryside that increase the sense of loneliness, anxiety, and despair felt by the protagonist. A special praise is due also to the cast: both the extras who played, with excellent results, the living dead and, above all, the talented Francesco Lemma (in the role of the protagonist Frank Cinzano) who knew how to get into the part well and was able to carry, on his shoulders, the entire film. In conclusion, "The Cold Summer" is really an excellent work, testimony to the fact that even with scarce (or non-existent) budgets but with a great passion behind, good talent, and great ideas, you can still make a job with a thumbs up. Claudio Tacchi proves to be an excellent director and it is hoped that he will continue in this direction with the hope that one day he may make, with a "real" budget, a beautiful feature film. A great revelation as well as an unforgettable film. It definitely deserves half a vote more!