The Lazarus Effect Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Scientists playing God accidentally turn Olivia Wilde into a supervillain with pyrokinetic tendencies and really bad nightmares, all because they wanted to cure death, which is totally overrated anyway.

🍿 The Lazarus Effect: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Lazarus Serum

A team of researchers, led by Frank and Zoe, develops a serum named ‘Lazarus’ intended to prolong brain activity in coma patients. They discover it can bring the dead back to life, initially testing it on animals. The resurrected animals display unusual behavior and heightened brain activity, raising ethical concerns among the team.

Tragedy Strikes

After facing backlash from the university and a corporate takeover that threatens their research, the team attempts to replicate their experiment. During the process, Zoe is accidentally electrocuted and dies. Driven by grief, Frank decides to use the Lazarus serum on her, despite the objections of his colleagues.

Resurrection and Its Consequences

Zoe is successfully resurrected, but she exhibits strange new abilities, including telekinesis and telepathy. As her powers grow, her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and malevolent. The team realizes that something is terribly wrong, and they are trapped in the lab with a being they no longer understand.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Zoe (Olivia Wilde): A medical researcher who is accidentally killed and resurrected, developing terrifying powers and a connection to hell.
• Frank (Mark Duplass): The driven medical researcher and Zoe’s fiancé who initiates her resurrection, leading to disastrous consequences.
• Clay (Evan Peters): A member of the research team who provides comic relief but ultimately falls victim to Zoe’s powers.
• Eva (Sarah Bolger): The documentarian who films the team’s research and becomes increasingly aware of the danger Zoe poses.
• Niko (Donald Glover): A member of the research team with unrequited feelings for Zoe, who is ultimately killed by her after rejecting her advances.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Zoe: “I went somewhere.” – Zoe says this after being resurrected, hinting at her experience beyond death.
• Zoe: “No, it was hell!” – Zoe’s immediate and visceral response when asked if she had a dream, establishing the horrific nature of her experience.
• Frank: “We’re not playing God.” – Frank says this to justify their experiment, highlighting the ethical debate at the heart of the movie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,300,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,801,570
• Worldwide Gross: $38,356,892

💥 The Lazarus Effect Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘The Lazarus Effect’ expecting another cheesy horror flick, but Olivia Wilde’s performance actually creeped me out! I loved how the movie played with the idea of what happens after death and the consequences of messing with nature. That scene where she’s in the burning building freaked me out. Overall, it was a fun, albeit predictable, watch. Would definitely recommend it for a scary movie night with friends.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural horror movies.”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring the ethics of science.”
  • “Those who enjoy jump scare-heavy horror.”
  • “Olivia Wilde fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Scary images”
  • “Thematic elements related to death and the afterlife”
  • “Some disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• Bloody Disgusting: “While ‘The Lazarus Effect’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Olivia Wilde’s performance elevates this Blumhouse production above typical jump-scare fare. It’s a brisk and effective horror film that knows its limits and delivers a satisfyingly creepy experience.
• Variety: “The film is a stylishly crafted horror show, but the derivative nature of the screenplay and lack of originality keeps it from being a standout in the genre. Strong performances by the leads, Olivia Wilde in particular, make it a worthwhile watch nonetheless.
• IMDB User Reviews: “The Lazarus Effect is an above average horror movie and is way underrated. Great acting and Olivia Wilde’s performance. The storyline reminded me of Flatliners but with a twist and is a creepy edge of your seat thriller.

Audience Reactions

Olivia Wilde’s transformation into a menacing force was the highlight of the film.: Viewers generally agreed that the movie offered a decent amount of suspense and jump scares.

Overall Consensus: A passable horror film elevated by Olivia Wilde’s performance but plagued by derivative plot elements and predictable scares.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s title, The Lazarus Effect, is a reference to the biblical story of Lazarus, whom Jesus resurrected from the dead.”
• “The film was shot in just 32 days.”
• “Director David Gelb is primarily known for his documentary work, particularly the acclaimed ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’. This was his first narrative feature film.”
• “Several user reviews mention similarities to ‘Flatliners,’ ‘Lucy,’ and ‘Pet Sematary,’ indicating common themes and tropes within the horror and sci-fi genres.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Lazarus Effect?

As of [Current Date], ‘The Lazarus Effect’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are available through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, offering options for both purchase and rental.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Lazarus Effect, you might like these similar films:

• Flatliners (1990): Explores the dangers of crossing the line between life and death, with medical students experimenting on themselves to experience near-death.
• Pet Sematary (1989): Deals with the consequences of bringing back the dead, emphasizing that sometimes, dead is better.
• Lucy (2014): Features a character who unlocks a greater percentage of her brainpower, leading to enhanced abilities and a loss of humanity.
• Re-Animator (1985): A medical student discovers a serum that can reanimate corpses, leading to gruesome and comedic results.

🛒 The Lazarus Effect Related Products

• Blumhouse of Horrors: 11 Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: This Blu-ray collection brings together some of Blumhouse’s most thrilling and chilling movies, including ‘The Lazarus Effect’. A must-have for horror fans seeking a diverse range of scares.
• Pet Sematary [Blu-ray]: Explore the classic Stephen King adaptation on Blu-ray. This chilling tale of resurrection shares similar themes with ‘The Lazarus Effect’, offering a deeper dive into the consequences of tampering with death.
• Frankenstein (Legacy Collection) [DVD]: Delve into the original story of reanimation with this Legacy Collection DVD. Featuring a digitally remastered version of the 1931 classic, this set includes bonus content offering a deeper appreciation of the iconic horror film.
• The Science of Scary: Exploring the Science of Horrors: Uncover the scientific and psychological underpinnings of fear with this thought-provoking book. Explore what makes us scream and analyze how movies manipulate our emotions. The relevance of this book dives in to why the brain gets such a high off of feeling fear.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Lazarus Effect features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Nanny Version” – performed by Dennis Alcapone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Scientist Revive The Dead But It Comes With A Price

Need a quick refresher before diving into a discussion about The Lazarus Effect? This video breaks down the whole plot in under 13 minutes! Honestly, it’s way more efficient than rewatching the whole thing if you’re short on time.

The Lazarus Effect movie review

Ever wondered if The Lazarus Effect is worth your time? Jeremy Jahns gives his honest opinion in this review! He’s pretty funny, and it’s always good to hear a different perspective before making up your own mind.

✨ Rate