Soulcatcher – Netflix Review (2/5)

SOULCATCHER on Netflix is a new sci-fi action thriller from Poland. The plot features a zombie-making device of sorts. Naturally, this is a device many want their hands on. Not least various governments and criminals. Read our full Soulcatcher movie review here!

SOULCATCHER is a new Netflix movie from Poland. It’s a true genre mix with sci-fi, action, and thriller as the main plot drivers. It’s very much a classic action movie in the sense that it features mostly fight scenes and lots of explosions. Is it good? Not very. But as an action movie, it isn’t bad either as the production quality is impressive enough.

Personally, I have a pretty big issue with the fact that I find the lead actor to be bland and boring. While he is a good physical action actor, he doesn’t work well in the more natural scenes. Obviously, that’s a problem.

Please note: Action scenes towards the end feature a lot of flashing lights.

Continue reading our Soulcatcher movie review below. You can find the movie on Netflix from August 2, 2023.

A machine that creates zombies

The story in Soulcatcher does also feature a device that turns human beings into aggressive mindless creatures that simply attack anyone they meet. In other words, they become a sort of zombie which is clearly something seen as an asset by many. Mostly governments and criminals.

For me, Polish filmmakers are always much better when the stories are character-driven beyond the “hero is hurt and wants revenge”-trope. And that’s exactly what we get here.

A shame as it could’ve been so much better. As it stands now, it’s just one stereotype after the next. The further along the story gets, the worse it all becomes.

A huge missed opportunity

Instead of going deeper into the whole issue of rage and people losing their minds, it simply becomes an action movie with all the classic tropes. We’ve seen how the stories that go just a bit deeper can work.

Movies such as the iconic 28 Days Later or the more recent The Sadness managed to do this. Both feature viruses that created rage or removed all inhibitions in people.

Pretty much the same as here, but it could’ve been any kind of weapon when the nature of the machines isn’t used more here.

Even Train to Busan managed to get more out of its characters. And that particular movie is one of the most action-packed zombie movies ever. Along with World War Z.

You can watch Soulcatcher on Netflix now

Daniel Markowicz is the director and also wrote the screenplay with Dawid Kowalewicz. Previously, Daniel Markowicz also directed Lesson Plan with the same actor, Piotr Witkowski, in the lead role. I was equally unimpressed with that one, so maybe their movies just are not my jam.

For Soulcatcher, the story is on par with the most boring episodes of The Walking Dead. The zombies (or the zombie-like power) are all but forgotten. Instead, we get human beings shooting at each other fighting for perceived power. And honestly, everything is so predictable as the bad guys are easily identified way ahead of time.

Look, if you’re in the mood for mindless action with a story that could have been interesting, then check it out. However, if action is what you’re looking for, then there are better movies in that particular niche on Netflix. Sorry, but this is one of the most bland Polish productions on Netflix.

The actor portraying the quirky pilot, Sebastian Stankiewicz, is also in Hellhole and Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight 2. You’d be better off watching either of those. Or check out the Polish movies The Hater or The Plagues of Breslau on Netflix instead.

Soulcatcher is on Netflix from August 2, 2023.

Details

Director: Daniel Markowicz
Writers: Dawid Kowalewicz, Daniel Markowicz
Stars: Piotr Witkowski, Jacek Koman, Jacek Poniedzialek, Aleksandra Adamska, Sebastian Stankiewicz, Michalina Olszanska, Vansh Luthra