REC 4: Apocalypse (2014), directed by Jaume Balagueró, is the fourth and final installment in the acclaimed Spanish REC franchise. It seeks to conclude the story that began with the terrifying 2007 original, a found-footage masterpiece that set a high bar for zombie and infection-based horror. However, while [REC] 4 moves away from the found-footage style that defined the series, it struggles to recapture the terror, tension, and innovation of its predecessors.

The film continues directly from the events of REC 2 (2009), following Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco), the sole survivor of the quarantined apartment building, as she awakens on a ship isolated at sea. With its confined maritime setting and an infected outbreak on board, [REC] 4 has all the ingredients for a tense and claustrophobic thriller. However, the execution leaves much to be desired, relying heavily on generic action-horror tropes and a noticeable departure from the series’ earlier strengths.

Plot Summary

REC 4: Apocalypse picks up where the second film left off, ignoring the events of REC 3: Genesis (2012), which served as a standalone prequel. Ángela Vidal is rescued from the cursed apartment building and taken aboard a massive freighter for quarantine and observation. The ship is operated by a team of scientists and security personnel tasked with studying the demonic infection that has spread from the building.

As the scientists attempt to isolate and weaponize the infection, chaos erupts when the virus spreads to the crew. The ship becomes a battleground as the remaining survivors—Ángela, the ship’s captain, and a handful of crew members—fight to stay alive while uncovering secrets about the origins of the infection and Ángela’s possible role in its containment.

Themes and Atmosphere

One of the series’ defining themes has always been the blend of biological horror and supernatural dread. The first two REC films leaned heavily into religious mythology, exploring the idea of demonic possession as the root of the infection. In REC 4, this supernatural element is largely abandoned in favor of a straightforward viral outbreak narrative, which feels like a missed opportunity.

The shift to an action-oriented tone further detracts from the oppressive atmosphere that defined the earlier films. While the freighter’s claustrophobic corridors provide some moments of tension, the setting lacks the chilling, gothic allure of the apartment building in the original. The movie’s reliance on dim lighting and shaky cinematography to build suspense often feels more disorienting than immersive.

Character Development

Manuela Velasco’s Ángela Vidal remains a compelling protagonist, but her character arc is underwhelming compared to her earlier appearances. In the original REC, Ángela was a relatable everywoman caught in extraordinary circumstances. Here, she feels more like a standard action-horror lead, with little room for emotional depth or nuance.

The supporting cast is largely forgettable, composed of stereotypical characters such as the grizzled captain, the morally questionable scientist, and the disposable crew members. None of them leave a lasting impression, and their motivations are often poorly developed.

Action and Horror

The film’s shift away from found footage to a more traditional cinematic style is a significant departure, and while it allows for smoother action sequences, it also strips the film of much of its unique identity. The found-footage aesthetic was a hallmark of the franchise, creating a visceral, immersive experience that heightened the tension. Without it, REC 4 feels more generic, akin to many other outbreak or zombie films.

The gore and creature effects are serviceable, but the scares are predictable and lack the raw intensity of earlier entries. The infected creatures are less menacing, and the film relies too heavily on action set pieces rather than building genuine suspense.

Conclusion

REC 4: Apocalypse is a serviceable but disappointing conclusion to a franchise that began with so much promise. While it delivers some entertaining action and marks the return of a beloved protagonist, it fails to recapture the visceral horror and innovation of the original films. Fans of the series may find some satisfaction in the closure it offers, but as a standalone horror film, it struggles to distinguish itself.

For those who loved the tension, mythology, and scares of the first two REC films, REC 4 may feel like a step in the wrong direction—an action-heavy finale that trades terror for spectacle.