There are countless movies and TV shows about viruses that turn people into zombies, some more compelling and well-developed than others. The 2007 movie I Am Legend is one of Will Smith's most famous movies. And it was so popular that a sequel, I Am Legend 2, is in the works. Robert Neville (Will Smith) is wandering around New York City, convinced that he's alone after a virus has decimated the majority of the world's population. It's a chilling premise that leads into a fast-paced and interesting movie.
Adapted from Richard Matheson's novel, which was published in 1954, I Am Legend swaps the book's Los Angeles setting for New York City. It's a smart choice that makes the situation feel even more dire, especially since zombies are never far away. The character of Neville has been praised, and he definitely carries the whole story. What happens in I Am Legend and how does the ending that was ultimately chosen compare to the alternate ending?
What Is I Am Legend About?
The premise of I Am Legend is devastating from the get-go. The movie follows Dr. Robert Neville, a character who is the only human living in New York City after a virus has killed everyone. This virus was man-made and supposed to end cancer for good. Instead, it killed people, or turned them into zombies called Darkseekers. Right away, it's hard not to feel terribly for Neville and wonder how long he can survive without human connection. He's trying to stay positive and keep moving forward, but he's understandably in a horrible situation.
From memorable zombies in horror movies to the many TV shows that use this trope, including The Last Of Us, pop culture has shown audiences countless creatures over the years. The zombies in I Am Legend are effective, however. And since Neville worked as a virologist for the army, it makes sense that he is equally fascinated and terrified of them. I Am Legend also follows the trend of featuring zombies but giving them another name.
I Am Legend leans into the emotions of the story, which makes it more compelling than a more routine action movie. Neville meets Anna (Alice Braga) and her son Ethan (Charlie Tahan), who are immune to the virus. Neville also lost his wife and son, which shows how lonely he has been and how much he yearns for human connection. This character is one of Will Smith's most well-known movie roles as there are many scenes of Neville walking around New York City with a sweet dog by his side. It's very different from his other films.
How Does I Am Legend End?
The I Am Legend ending is scary and dark. Neville, Ethan and Anna hide in the basement of their lab after working on the female Darkseeker when several Darkseekers are looking for them. Instead of a satisfying ending that wraps everything up, it leaves many questions unanswered. It's one of those movies that just ends abruptly and leaves audiences wondering if that was it or if they somehow missed something important. And those types of endings are never a good idea.
The Darkseekers are some of the most threatening zombies in movies. But the I Am Legend ending is still unpopular and lackluster. It's upsetting that after Neville and his new friends have survived for so long only to end up in this terrifying and uncertain place. They have definitely been through enough and a more optimistic final scene would have been preferable.
Many horror movies feature unique zombies. This is always welcome since it can sometimes feel like too many films depict these creatures the same way. I Am Legend does a great job balancing the terrifying Darkseekers with Neville as a well-developed character who has been put in a situation that he never thought would ever happen.
What Is I Am Legend's Alternate Ending?
It's interesting to hear that I Am Legend 2 will follow the alternate ending. In this alternate ending, Neville has a moment with the Darkseeker who is an alpha male. He realizes that the alpha male has been trying to find their partner and that they have had good intentions this entire time. Neville, Ethan and Anna then relocate to Vermont as they hope that they can live with other people. Anna says several words, including "You are not alone."
While the I Am Legend alternate ending is fairly corny, it does work better than the ending that was used. After following Neville's journey for the entire movie, it's disappointing to watch him hide from the zombies. Audiences want to know what happens to him and to see him at least attempting to find a happier life for himself. It's good news that the forthcoming I Am Legend sequel will offer up some answers.