TV Review: Dead Set (series)

The week building up to Halloween is usually a poor one for British television, as channels battle it out to see which one can churn out the most mediocre and mainstream horror movies within the week. Fortunately, E4 tried a different tact, instead treating us to an original five part series: 'Dead Set'.

Dead Set takes place during the early stages of a massive outbreak, which coincidentally happens during a Big Brother eviction night. With the production team focussed on the spectacle and the house mates isolated from the outside world, the epidemic hits them hard and fast. After the brutal wave of violence, the few remaining survivors band together inside the Big Brother house itself. The series draws many parallels with Danny Boyle's '28 Days Later', but the unique Big Brother factor gives an otherwise stock plot line an interesting spin.

With the a horde of flesh eating zombies on the loose, Dead Set is bursting at the seams with gore and violence – and when it comes to both, it doesn't pull a single punch. Whether it's Davina McCall's neck being ripped open, or a zombie's head being smashed apart with a fire extinguisher, the gore is always fantastically gruesome. Seeing this level of gore in a television series is increasingly rare, and while it's bound to put off the more prudish viewers, anyone who's ever appreciated a little blood and guts is not going to be disappointed by Dead Set.

The visuals as a whole are one of the series' strongest points. The lighting is nothing short of fantastic, and the hand held camera style (similar to the style in Cloverfield) really puts you in the moment. Both of these factors make Dead Set incredibly atmospheric, and easily surpasses the standards set by most television shows. Hell, it surpasses the standards set by most films.

Dead Set's cast is mostly made up of relatively unknown actors, but they put together a surprisingly strong performance. These performances make the characters incredibly easy to relate to and sympathise with, which is a massive achievement for any horror flick. A special mention has to go to Andy Nyman, who plays authoritarian, and borderline sadistic, producer Patrick, who's superb timing and delivery provides some genuinely hilarious moments, which are a great contrast to the horror or drama of the series.

Dead Set does almost everything right. While the disappointing ending feels like a complete cop-out, the drama, suspense and dark humour leading up to it is nothing short of excellent. Anybody who likes a good zombie flick should check this one out, especially if you're a fan of 28 Days Later. I doubt you'll be disappointed with Dead Set.

4/5

Like a good zombie flick, if you know what I mean – tomdoodle16@live.co.uk