Written and directed by Kyle Valle, co-written by Erin Áine and Manny Luke who both also star in the film, a group of cosplaying friends trigger a zombie apocalypse and are forced to traverse a zombie-infested Los Angeles to save their loved one. Also starring: Punkie Johnson, Christian Casillas, Carlo Mendez, Nichole McAuley, J. Michael Trautmann and Melissa Jane Rodriguez.
In this day and age when a film is working with a small budget, one of the clever things filmmakers can do to make the most of it, particularly with action, sci-fi or horror, is to go old-school, and that’s what you get with ZombieCON Vol.1. Taking it back to the 1980s style of comedy-action-horror, going loud, colourful and heaping in the enthusiasm. That especially applies to the violence because the filmmakers make the correct decision to go blood splatter over gore, to have fun with it but not have to rely on visual effects to get their hands, and everything else, dirty.
Tonally, it definitely hits that 1980s vibe as well, it’s got a big energy that’s, no pun intended, infectious and nostalgic. Then it brings through a quality to the aesthetic that’s reminiscent of comic book movies, which feels perfectly fitted to its cosplaying quartet. It’s dialling up the contrast and adding in some lively editing. It also has hints of Arrow, in how it’s dark yet not macabre, has a good sense of humour and a lot of camaraderie.
That of course is in no small part thanks to the excellent performances at the heart of ZombieCON Vol.1 from Erin Áine, Manny Luke, Punkie Johnson and Christian Casillas who strongly tap into that vibe. They’re exactly as you’d expect but instead of being predictable it’s just really enjoyable. They all have such a strong chemistry, they’re effortlessly believable as friends. They’re each creating individual personalities which build them different roles within their group dynamic.
Luke’s Rocket takes the lead but begins to doubt and question himself when faced with a fight. Áine’s Claire seems nice and wholesome but there’s more beneath the surface if you push her. Johnson’s Punkie is cool and calm on the surface but surprisingly sweet underneath. While with Casillas’ Javier, what you see is what you get, and he has a lot of endearing, bumbling qualities. Together, they create a charming group.
ZombieCON Vol.1 is an entertaining, enthusiastic and highly enjoyable adventure. It’s throwing back to the days where horror, comedy and action cinema didn’t take itself too seriously, and it could simply have fun with it. There’s a lot of great choices to make the most of the budget, while not restricting at all the scope of the film. It does struggle with the pacing and progression, coming in at just under two hours, it can’t quite keep the high energy going the whole way through. However, it’s a fantastic effort with a terrific cast, it’s a good time and at its heart it has a nice message about friendship and believing in yourself.
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