1. Plot Summary

A normal day at Hyosan High School spirals into horror when a virus outbreak turns students into zombies. Trapped inside the school, a group of teenagers — including On-jo, Cheong-san, Nam-ra, and Su-hyeok — must navigate hallways turned battlefield, making life-or-death decisions to survive. The series blends adolescent dynamics with grisly survival horror in a brutal, action-packed setting. WikipediaRotten Tomatoes

2. Notable Elements

• High School Setting Reimagined: Transforming a school into the epicenter of a zombie apocalypse creates a potent mix of familiar spaces and grotesque horror, grounding the terror in something relatable. stuyspec.com

• Character Depth and Performance: Park Ji-hu (On-jo) brings resilience and vulnerability to her role, while Cho Yi-hyun (Nam-ra) offers a compelling arc of internal struggle. Ashley HajimirsadeghiWikipedia

• Themes in Subtle Scenes: The fight scenes in the school library – two students perched atop bookcases — blend symbolism and tension, exemplifying the show’s visual storytelling. Teen Vogue

• Realistic Zombie Effects: The CGI and makeup enhance the visceral dread; zombies move with jerky, unsettling realism and feature striking rot and gore. stuyspec.com

3. Themes and Messages

• Bullying & Authority Failure: The outbreak stems from systemic bullying — highlighting how adult institutions fail youth repeatedly, both before and during the crisis. RedditThe Cane Tassel

• Social Pressures & Academic Expectations: In a culture that emphasizes academic perfection, the series subverts expectations by insisting survival depends on empathy, strategy, and adaptability — not grades. Teen Vogue

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• Broader Social Commentary: The show critiques patriarchal structures, fat-shaming, social cruelty, and generational disappointments — using horror to highlight deeper societal wounds. Teen Vogue+1

4. Personal Impressions

** Strengths:**

• Intensely immersive: once the outbreak begins, the pacing rarely relents.

• Character relationships feel authentic, making each loss impactful.

• The blend of adolescent drama with horror is both refreshing and emotionally rewarding.

** Weaknesses:**

• The inclusion of multiple subplots (like adults’ responses) can distract and dilute emotional focus. stuyspec.comTeen Vogue

• Some narrative beats—especially switching to external perspectives—feel less urgent, reducing the series’ overall momentum.

5. Audience Recommendations

This is a must-watch for fans of intense horror-thrillers with emotional stakes, such as Squid Game or Train to Busan. Ideal for viewers who appreciate layered social commentary, ensemble casts, and high-stakes survival drama wrapped in youthful energy.

6. Conclusion & Rating

All of Us Are Dead reinvigorates zombie horror with raw emotional depth and cultural insight. It’s not just about the undead — it’s about what happens when the living’s worst traits are unleashed. A gripping, gruesome, and thoughtful series worth diving into.

Final Recommendation: Highly recommended for horror fans and socially conscious drama lovers alike.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

7. Official Trailer