Note: cocktails and movies did a review in our previous site iteration. We watched it again and still love it!
When it comes to zombie movies, we often expect bleak apocalyptic landscapes, flesh-hungry ghouls, and a world where love is a distant memory. But Jonathan Levine’s 2013 film Warm Bodies dares to ask: what if love could bring the undead back to life? Based on Isaac Marion’s novel, this romantic horror-comedy takes the well-worn zombie apocalypse and flips it on its head, offering a story that is surprisingly heartfelt, refreshingly original, and undeniably charming—earning its place as one of our top picks for a non-traditional Valentine’s Day movie.
A Love Story with a (Beating) Heart
At its core, Warm Bodies is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, told through the lens of the undead. The film follows R (Nicholas Hoult), a zombie with a surprisingly rich inner monologue, who spends his days wandering the ruins of a post-apocalyptic city, collecting trinkets, and longing for something more. Unlike the mindless hordes around him, R still feels… something. That something grows exponentially when he encounters Julie (Teresa Palmer), a fierce and resourceful survivor who captures his attention in a way that even he doesn’t quite understand.
Instead of immediately devouring her, as any respectable zombie might, R protects Julie—leading her to safety in the abandoned airport he calls home. As they spend time together, a spark begins to grow between them, and in a way that defies all logic, R starts changing. His heart beats. His thoughts become clearer. His body warms. Love, it seems, might be the cure to the zombie plague.
Nicholas Hoult delivers a standout performance, making R endearing, awkward, and surprisingly human despite his undead condition. His narration and dry wit add a delightful comedic layer, making it easy for audiences to root for him even as he shuffles around, groaning in incomplete sentences. Teresa Palmer balances Julie’s toughness and vulnerability, bringing an emotional depth that makes her chemistry with Hoult feel believable and genuinely sweet.
The supporting cast also shines, particularly Rob Corddry as M, R’s best friend and a fellow zombie who slowly begins to regain his own humanity. His moments of unexpected humor add levity to the story and highlight the film’s deeper themes—that connection, hope, and love are what truly make us alive.
Jonathan Levine’s Directorial Magic
Director Jonathan Levine, known for blending genres (50/50, The Night Before), masterfully balances the film’s humor, horror, and romance. Instead of falling into the usual zombie tropes, Warm Bodies takes a lighter, more hopeful approach, crafting a story where love is literally the key to survival.
Levine’s visual choices also help set the tone—the desaturated grays and blues of the zombie world contrast beautifully with the warmth and color that gradually return as R and the other zombies evolve. The use of music(including a perfectly placed Bob Dylan track) further enhances the film’s quirky, endearing atmosphere.
Why Warm Bodies Deserves a Spot in Your Valentine’s Day Movie Lineup
Warm Bodies succeeds because it understands that romance doesn’t have to be conventional to be meaningful. It takes the zombie genre’s usual hopelessness and injects it with warmth, humor, and optimism—proving that even in a world overrun by the undead, love finds a way.
This film isn’t just about a boy-meets-girl story—it’s about redemption, change, and the idea that love can heal even the most broken things. With Nicholas Hoult’s lovable performance, Teresa Palmer’s strength, and Jonathan Levine’s sharp direction, Warm Bodies is more than just a zombie flick—it’s a funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly touching love story.
So, this Valentine’s Day, swap out the usual rom-com for something a little offbeat, a little undead, and a whole lot of fun. Pour yourself a dark cherry rum cocktail (our recommended pairing!), and let Warm Bodies remind you that sometimes, love is the most unexpected cure of all.
