When World War Z (2013; dir. Forster) hit theaters, I was expecting a typical zombie movie that would quickly fade from memory. Instead, it’s a film I’ve found myself returning to several times over the last decade. The movie also inspired me to listen to the audiobook by Max Brooks, which features a fantastic voice cast. Though the book and movie are vastly different, I recommend them both. That said, this post will focus on the film, as it has been several years since I listened to the audiobook.
Unlike most zombie films—typically small-scale survivalist stories confined to a house, a mall, or a small town—World War Z sets its sights around the globe. The film follows Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), a retired U.N. investigator reluctantly called back into action as a “Special Envoy” in the wake of a rapidly spreading pandemic. His journey spans continents, highlighting the effects of both international cooperation and isolationism.
Like all zombie stories, the premise of World War Z is far-fetched, but the movie’s staying power lies in its deeper themes. During this most recent viewing, I found myself drawn to questions about global responsibility and collective action. Perhaps these questions came to the forefront of my mind because of the countless headlines about the U.S. turning inward—embracing isolationism, denying responsibility, and antagonizing allies and adversaries alike. Real-world events make the film resonate more today than it did in 2013, reflecting a world grappling with global crises, distrust, geopolitical instability, and the consequences of inaction.
The film serves as a stark reminder that while a zombie apocalypse is fictional, the challenges of global crises are not—and our responses to them reveal much about our values as a society.
Global Responses in a Global Society
World War Z begins with chaos spreading rapidly as the pandemic catches nations off guard with its speed and scale. Within hours, cities fall, governments crumble, and panic ensues. The interconnectedness that facilitates trade, travel, and communication also accelerates the spread of the terrifying infection.
The film underscores that in an interconnected world, global responses are inevitable. Gerry’s role as a U.N. envoy exemplifies this necessity. His journey—from South Korea to Israel to Wales—demonstrates the critical need for cross-border cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Yet, the film also shows how nationalism, isolationism, and mistrust obstructs progress, leaving humanity more vulnerable in the face of existential threats.
A Tale of Contrasting National Responses
One of the most compelling aspects of World War Z is its exploration of how different nations respond to the pandemic, showcasing both successes and failures.
• The United States
The U.S. is overwhelmed almost immediately. Its reliance on military might and reactive measures reflects the dangers of avoiding thinking globally and underestimating worldwide threats. The lack of preparation seen in this 2013 film is eerily prescient, mirroring real-world criticisms of America’s fragmented response during COVID-19, where delayed action and politicization hindered efforts to contain the virus.
• South Korea
South Korea’s containment efforts are valiant but ultimately futile due to their proximity to the outbreak’s origin. The nation’s focus on immediate action highlights the importance of early intervention, but it also underscores the limits of defensive strategies against an exponentially spreading crisis.
• North Korea
North Korea’s extreme response—removing the teeth of its entire population to prevent bites—reflects its authoritarianism. While this drastic measure is said to be effective, it raises unsettling questions about the balance between individual freedoms and collective safety. Such an approach would be unthinkable in liberal societies, but its inclusion in the film invites debate about the ethical limits of crisis management.
• Israel
Israel’s decision to build massive walls based on early intelligence demonstrates the value of swift, preventative action in the face of potential catastrophe. However, the film also shows how overconfidence and complacency can lead to disaster. Israel’s response raises important questions about the tension between self-preservation and global solidarity. To what extent should nations prioritize their own citizens over contributing to a collective global effort?
The Role of Institutions: U.N. and W.H.O.
The film suggests that institutions like the U.N. and W.H.O. must play crucial roles in coordinating responses and finding solutions to global threats.
The W.H.O. becomes pivotal in the film’s climax, where researchers develop a “camouflage” to protect humans from zombies. This reinforces the importance of global health organizations in addressing pandemics. However, it also raises an important question—can institutions like the W.H.O. function effectively without the full commitment of major powers? The real-world debate over the U.S. pulling out of the W.H.O. underscores the fragility of global cooperation.
Human Nature and Survival
At its core, World War Z isn’t just about a zombie apocalypse—it’s about humanity’s response to shared crises. Gerry’s journey reflects the tension between self-preservation and altruism. Rather than prioritize his survival, Gerry repeatedly puts himself at risk to find a solution that will benefit humanity (and his family).
This contrast raises philosophical questions about moral responsibility:
• Should individuals prioritize their own safety, or do we have a duty to contribute to the greater good even at the ultimate personal cost?
• What does it mean to act ethically in the face of annihilation? (e.g., when Gerry instinctively cuts off Segen’s hand in the hope of saving her from infection, or when he throws the grenade in the plane despite it undoubtedly costing lives.)
The film, like many apocalypse stories, suggests that survival isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about preserving what makes us human. Those qualities include empathy, cooperation, and a willingness to self-sacrifice.
Lessons for the Real World
While a zombie apocalypse is fictional, the lessons of World War Z are real. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of global responses to crises. Real world misinformation, vaccine skepticism, and political infighting mirror the film’s depiction of fragmented global cooperation.
At the same time, the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated what’s possible when nations work together. World War Z serves as a warning—it’s a dangerous proposition to face global challenges alone, and the stakes for such a proposition could be total annihilation. Whether it’s a pandemic or another existential threat, survival will depend on collective action and shared responsibility.
Conclusion
World War Z transcends the zombie genre and challenges us to consider what kind of world we want to live in. Are we willing to embrace cooperation to face shared challenges, or will isolationism and fragmentation dictate our future? In an increasingly interconnected world, the film reminds us that survival doesn’t just depend on ingenuity or strength—it depends on our ability to act together as a global community.
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