The Human Race (2013) follows 80 confused people from all walks of life after they are plucked from their everyday lives to participate in a race to stay alive. Each participant in this competition of life or death hears their own voice in their heads telling them the rules of a game being played in an unknown location, 'If you are lapped twice, you die. If you step off the path, you die. If you touch the grass, you will die. Race... or die.' The struggle to survive and determine what brought these doomed people together for this contest of futility will prove exhausting and lethal.
In the slew of films depicting a group of unrelated individuals forced into the ever-present battle to the death, there has been many of noteworthy films. From Battle Royal to the new Hunger Games Franchise inspired by the novels of the same name, a niche is being carved from the genre that is oddly pleasant to watch. It is in the vein of such films that The Human Race makes it's presence known as a unique and inventive stab at the horror premise where seeming everything has become redundant.
What I found separated The Human Race from similar films that preceded it, was an incomparable cinematic brilliance and perhaps the most rounded group of actors I've ever seen in an independent horror film. Taking the lead and showing that “handicap” is a misnomer is Eddie McGee. Former Big Brother winner and inspiration to those whom have followed his career, McGee's role solidifies him as a role model for fellow amputees and industry newcomers alike.
In the slew of films depicting a group of unrelated individuals forced into the ever-present battle to the death, there has been many of noteworthy films. From Battle Royal to the new Hunger Games Franchise inspired by the novels of the same name, a niche is being carved from the genre that is oddly pleasant to watch. It is in the vein of such films that The Human Race makes it's presence known as a unique and inventive stab at the horror premise where seeming everything has become redundant.
What I found separated The Human Race from similar films that preceded it, was an incomparable cinematic brilliance and perhaps the most rounded group of actors I've ever seen in an independent horror film. Taking the lead and showing that “handicap” is a misnomer is Eddie McGee. Former Big Brother winner and inspiration to those whom have followed his career, McGee's role solidifies him as a role model for fellow amputees and industry newcomers alike.
The Human Race also succeeded in a multifaceted approach to what one would think is a fairly simple premise. It would have been easy to dwell in the simplicity of the rules, but the film ventures into most every possible outcome to result from the rules that play in the minds of participants. Much more embellishment would spoil the story and the realization of why these people are racing and whom brought them there. However I will say this... The title of the film 'The Human Race', is anything but one dimensional. It's not until the mind blowing final scenes that this will become the most evident.