We Are Zombies: A Fresh Take on the Undead (Spoiler-Free Review)

Just when it seems like the zombie subgenre is running out of fresh ideas, “We Are Zombies” arrives to breathe new life into it. This film, infused with laughs, heart, and a biting wit, aims to approach the worn-out narratives of the undead from a different angle. Directed by RKSS, the trio behind “Turbo Kid” and “Summer of ’84,” the film is set in a near future where zombies aren’t existential threats to humanity. Instead, they are just an everyday annoyance.

In this world, some zombies even take up low-wage jobs and retain enough brain function to converse. Dubbed the “living-impaired,” these zombies aren’t interested in cannibalism. Instead, they might work at the local grocery store or simply wander the streets. This concept sets the film apart from a myriad of other zombie stories we’ve seen.

The main cast features Derek Johns as the wrestling-obsessed Freddy, Alexandre Nachi as the zombie-porn-loving Karl, and Megan Peta Hill as Karl’s sister, Maggie. The plot kicks into gear with Maggie’s quest for revenge against an evil mega-corporation that experiments on zombies. Hannity, a character played by Benz Antoine, plans to use a chemical gas to turn the zombies into the ravenous monsters we’re familiar with.

Maggie persuades Freddy and Karl to join her scheme. Disguised as workers, they aim to capture zombies and sell them to Otto, a quirky performance artist played by Stéphane Demmers. However, things go off the rails when the corporation realizes they’re not genuine employees. The stakes soar when the firm kidnaps Karl’s grandmother, demanding a ransom to cover the wages they claim were lost. Despite being a lean feature clocking in under 90 minutes, the film’s various subplots mesh seamlessly.

“We Are Zombies” leans more into comedy than gore, though the horror elements do eventually make an appearance. It shares a similar tone and style with films like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Zombieland” rather than “The Walking Dead.” The depiction of nefarious mega-corporations and humans often behaving worse than the zombies is reminiscent of George A. Romero’s iconic works. Hannity’s maniacal plans to revert the undead into flesh-eating creatures underscore that, yet again, humans are the true villains.

The chemistry among Johns, Hill, and Nachi is palpable, bringing lots of laughs and making their characters memorable underdogs. They bring heart to the film, offering distinct, plucky performances. Their on-screen dynamics work so well that it would be delightful to see them in another venture together.

Even if you feel weary of zombie narratives at this point, “We Are Zombies” is worth a try. It’s a spirited and bloody delight, backed by genuine performances and an indie vibe. RKSS manages to inject much-needed life—and plenty of laughs—into a stagnant subgenre.

“We Are Zombies” will stream exclusively on Screambox on August 13.

Source: Screambox