Storyline
The film takes place during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. After the Kakhovka dam is blown up, a detachment of Ukrainian soldiers led by a female fighter with the call sign Mara finds themselves in a secret Soviet bunker at the bottom of a reservoir where the USSR conducted human experiments during the Cold War. The consequences of these experiments are still in the bunker in the form of the half-living corpses of Soviet soldiers. Now, in order to survive, Ukrainians need to defeat the Soviet zombies, their own fear, as well as overcome internal disputes and trust each other.
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December 7, 2025
6 / 10
"The Dam" could be said to be as much a poltical statement, as it is a zombie action, horror flick.
Given this film has been made, at a time when Ukraine is at war with Russia, its tones, perhaps unsurprisingly, are political in a way that favours Ukraine's role in the conflict, whilst condemning Russia's. Obviously, this is wholly simplistic, but it is what it is.
So looking beyond the propagandistic aspects of this production,how does it stand up as a film? Actually, its not bad. The story of a Soviet underground lab where people were experimented upon and have become zombie like weapons, is pretty cool. The creature effects and setting is suitably creepy and atmospheric. What could have done with a little more work, are the action scenes. Somehow, they feel a little lacking, in pace and ferocity. This tends to diminish the sense of threat and tension, this film needs.
That said, the story is still remains quite enjoyable, with a few creative twists and turns, to keep you watching.
In summary, a reasonable if not exceptional zombie action flick from Ukraine. Worth a look.
