The Sadness
The Sadness
A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they attempt to be reunited amid the chaos of a pandemic outbreak. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact the most cruel and ghastly things imaginable.
Spoons reviewedFebruary 8, 2025
The Sadness is like a gut-punch wrapped in barbed wire—brutal, relentless, and unapologetically sadistic. Set in Taiwan, the film follows a young couple trying to reunite amidst the outbreak of a mysterious virus. But here’s the kicker: these aren’t your typical zombies. In fact, they’re not zombies at all. The infected retain full consciousness, but their inhibitions are stripped away, leaving only pure, gleeful depravity. They want to commit the most horrific acts imaginable, and they enjoy every second of it. That’s what makes The Sadness stand out—it’s not just the gore, it’s the sheer, grinning malice behind it.
If you’re familiar with the Crossed comic books, this feels like the closest thing to a live-action adaptation. The same nihilistic, no-holds-barred approach to violence is on full display, and the film doesn’t pull a single punch. It’s not just blood and guts (though there’s plenty of that)—it’s the psychological torment, the perverse joy of the infected, that sticks with you long after the credits roll. The film revels in its extremes, making it a must-watch for fans of hardcore horror, but a definite hard pass for the faint of heart.
For those who thrive on the fringes of horror cinema, The Sadness offers a savage, unrelenting ride. If you liked Project Wolf Hunting or found yourself morbidly fascinated by the over-the-top cruelty in films like A Serbian Film or The Green Elephant, this will be right up your alley. But be warned—this isn’t horror for casual thrills. It’s a deep dive into the abyss, and it doesn’t blink.