The undead horizon: Navigating the polycrisis through self-aware zombie narratives

This thesis investigates the emergence of self-aware zombie narratives as they relate to the Polycrisis, its underlying reasons, and possible ways of building sustainable futures, specifically focusing on the films Warm Bodies (2013) and The Girl with All the Gifts (2016). These self-aware zombie representations challenge the traditional depictions of zombies as mindless creatures, offering a nuanced reflection of humanity's struggles and potential for transformation in the context of the Polycrisis—a confluence of environmental, social, and economic crises exacerbated by Late Capitalism. The study shows that the newly proliferating phenomena of self-aware zombies signify a departure from the conventional portrayals of the walking dead, embodying instead complex themes of care, community, love, and recognition of the other. By analyzing the largely forgotten historical roots of the zombie myth and its journey from Haitian folklore to popular culture, the thesis highlights the genre's capacity to critique Capitalist Realism and envision alternative sustainable futures. Through a detailed examination of narrative arcs, character development, and thematic depth, this research contributes to the field of Zombie Studies, suggesting that these narratives not only confront the destructive impact of Late Capitalism but also offer a vision for a sustainable future.