An infection which appears to be caused by a bacteria in the water turns out to be more. A fourteen-year-old student, Dannie, feels the real cause is linked to her recurring dreams. When the infection reaches an epidemic level, it becomes clear that this infection not only kills, but restores the body to a minimally functioning state where the infected become the "living dead". Dannie and a researcher named Sue may have the key to solving the mysterious illness. The story follows their journey to avoid being infected or attacked before finding a safe place or a cure.
Pathogen is a 2006 independent horror film directed by Emily Hagins, with one notable important difference from a typical zombie movie. Hagins was twelve years old when she directed it. A making-of documentary, Zombie Girl: The Movie comes with the DVD.
This film contains examples of:
- Not Quite Dead: The infected die, only to come back to life.
- Not Using the "Z" Word: The zombies are called "living dead".
- Strong as They Need to Be: The zombies and/or protagonists' strength fluctuates depending on the demands of the plot.