Planet Terror

Planet Terror, directed by Robert Rodriguez, begins with a sense of foreboding in the sleepy West Texas town of Austin. The scene is set in the desolate landscape of a rundown gas station, where two doctors, Dr. Bill Stillman (Jeff Fahey) and Dr. Baylan (Jerry Greenberg), have started their graveyard shift. However, their quiet evening is disrupted when a wounded truck driver, played by John Lieppe, bursts into the gas station, bringing with him a sense of chaos. The driver is covered in painful sores and is accompanied by a swarm of flies. Stillman quickly realizes that the sores are not just limited to this one individual, as news starts to spread about multiple townspeople falling victim to the mysterious outbreak. A series of vignettes shows us how people have been stricken with the illness, displaying graphic and gruesome symptoms. As the situation worsens, Cherry Darling (Rose McGowan), a young woman and dancer with a sultry stage presence, is among those infected. Cherry's legs are amputated below the knee after a severe gunshot wound caused her to suffer a grievous leg injury, leaving her with a distinctive and ominous stump. The townspeople afflicted with the mysterious illness display sudden, violent outbursts, transforming them into crazed, mindless aggressors. This new reality sets the stage for Cherry to form an impromptu alliance with El Wray (Freddy Rodriguez), her ex-boyfriend. As tensions escalate, Cherry's condition rapidly deteriorates, and she becomes increasingly unstable, forcing her to rely more heavily on her raw emotions and survival instincts. Against the backdrop of utter chaos, Cherry and El Wray join forces, leading a group consisting of Wray's mechanic friend J.T. Hague (Michael Parks) and an elderly couple, Earl McGowan (Bill Paxton) and Lorna (Floyd Westerman). They set out to uncover the source of the mysterious infection, seeking the truth behind a toxic waste dump located in a deserted gas station. On their perilous journey, they confront an ever-growing multitude of afflicted townsfolk, now transformed into bloodthirsty predators. At the heart of this chaotic world, the dynamic duo of Cherry and El Wray takes center stage, as they face numerous challenges and make their way through a series of desperate situations. Cherry's emotional struggles as she grapples with her physical deformity and emotional fragility add a poignant dimension to her character, while also showcasing her unwavering resolve and strength. The action unfolds at a relentless pace, showcasing Robert Rodriguez's signature style of high-octane action sequences. On their quest, Cherry and her companions encounter other survivors who contribute to their ragtag team, ultimately forming an impromptu army of accidental warriors. However, they are constantly under siege by the increasingly aggressive hordes of infected. Their search becomes increasingly desperate as they find themselves fighting for survival in an apocalyptic world, where the infected seem to be multiplying by the minute. Throughout the chaos, the audience is left questioning what the source of the infection could be, with the plot skillfully maintaining a sense of mystery that propels the story forward. Eventually, we learn that a sinister pharmaceutical firm is responsible for the creation of the toxin, further solidifying the theme of corporate malfeasance. Despite the mayhem and bloodshed, the characters in Planet Terror exude a rebellious spirit, exemplified in their refusal to back down in the face of overwhelming danger. Cherry Darling's transformation from a damsel in distress to a fearless warrior serves as the core of the narrative, allowing the actress to showcase her full range. With Cherry's character at its heart, the film skillfully incorporates elements of zombie fiction, while never shying away from its bold vision and graphic style. The final confrontation between Cherry and her companions takes place at a dingy motel, where they plan to confront the pharmaceutical executives responsible for unleashing the toxin. A graphic display of violence unfolds as they storm the motel, leading to a gruesome showdown in which Cherry takes center stage in a desperate bid for survival. In a climactic sequence, Cherry and her team manage to outsmart and vanquish their adversaries, bringing an end to the mayhem that has plagued the town. Ultimately, Planet Terror is an entertaining exercise in high-octane action and graphic style, where Cherry Darling emerges as a compelling figure in Robert Rodriguez's eclectic world of action, mystery, and dark adventure.