Comedy and Chaos in Zombie Utopia

Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
We Are Zombies
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell
Writer(s): François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell, Jerry Frissen
Cast: Alexandre Nachi, Derek Johns, Megan Peta Hill, Clare Coulter, Benz Antoine, Vincent Leclerc, Carlo Mestroni, Guy Nadon, Marc-André Boulanger, Stéphane Demers
Where To Watch: Screambox original streaming August 13, 2024, on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Prime Video, Roku, Fire TV, YouTube TV, Samsung, Comcast, Cox, and www.screambox.com

RAVING REVIEW: In RKSS's (an initialism for Roadkill Superstars, a filmmaking trio consisting of Canadian film directors François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell) imaginative undead adventure, WE ARE ZOMBIES, the living-impaired rise, not to scare but to clock in and carve out lives among us, redefining the universes societal norms with a wry smile. This film looks past the old-school zombie clichés to offer a zesty mix of humor and heart, serving up a fresh narrative that’s fun and thought-provoking.

WE ARE ZOMBIES explores the modern-day genre with a narrative that’s as clever as it is compelling. Directed by the skilled trio of Simard, Whissell, and Whissell, this film reimagines zombies not as predators of humanity but as proactive participants within it. These zombies hold jobs, advocate for their version of civil rights, and integrate into daily life, challenging viewers to rethink the conventional horror narrative.

Central to the plot are three crafty characters: Karl, Freddy, and Maggie—brought to life with charismatic performances by Alexandre Nachi, Derek Johns, and Megan Peta Hill. This trio navigates the complexities of a society where humans and zombies coexist. They exploit the system, embarking on a risky venture against the Coleman Corporation, a company that exploits the undead citizens under the guise of offering them sanctuary.

RKSS excels in creating a vivid setting where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, blending the absurd with the all-too-real. The special effects, orchestrated by Rémy Couture and the Blood Brothers, are spectacular, providing a visceral punch that accentuates the film’s darkly comic tone.

Despite its fantastical elements, WE ARE ZOMBIES does not shy away from tackling weighty issues. It uses the zombie metaphor to explore themes of marginalization and the quest for equality, wrapping its social critique in an accessible narrative without being overtly didactic. The balance between the film’s depth and its entertaining storyline is finely maintained throughout, with the script giving ample room for the actors to showcase their range within a dynamic and insightful script.

Nonetheless, the film isn’t without its flaws. Certain parts of the narrative struggle, and some humor might not resonate with everyone, occasionally veering into the realm of the juvenile. Moreover, the pacing can falter as it juggles its ambitious elements, though these moments are brief and do little to mar the overall experience.

WE ARE ZOMBIES marks a significant departure from traditional zombie films, serving up a clever, satirical spin that’s as reflective as it is entertaining. Its swift 80-minute runtime packs a punch, offering a tightly woven tale that’s likely to resonate with indie film lovers and potentially gain a loyal following. It’s a testament to the creativity of its makers and a beacon for how genre films can entertain and enlighten.

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[photo courtesy of SCREAMBOX]

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