Finally, someone had the guts to make stoners the heroes of a horror film. That’s the vibe Zombie Strain, a hilarious horror-comedy from Michael Seabolt, brings to the table. This cheeky, outlandish film flips the usual zombie apocalypse dynamic on its head, proving that sometimes, the best survival strategy is to just chill out.
Zombie Strain follows a group of unlikely survivors trapped in a soundstage when a zombie outbreak occurs. Instead of the typical survival instincts, this ragtag team—comprised of interns, their boss, erotic film talent, and crew—embodies chaos as they try to fend off the undead. With its eccentric characters and absurd circumstances, the film feels like a live-action manga, leaning into its ridiculousness with glee. As tensions rise and familiar zombie clichés surface, Zombie Strain takes a surprising turn, casting a stoner as the unexpected hero in the fight for survival. Where most horror films give their blazed characters undignified deaths, this one celebrates them, gleefully poking fun at genre tropes along the way.
Despite its tight budget, the young cast does a commendable job fueling the chaos both in front of and behind the door. Standout performances include Cameron Vitosh as Nate, the film nerd; Chandi Shah as Zoe, the unassuming nice girl; and Emily Ashby as Autumn, the alluring talent. Meanwhile, the fierce and protective Aaliyah (India Jasiri) and Charlie (William Mann), the soundstage owner who steals many scenes, round out the ensemble. The cast’s commitment to the absurdity makes the film as entertaining as it is ridiculous.
While Zombie Strain doesn’t deliver the mass destruction or high production value of larger zombie films, it thrives in its niche—a fun, self-aware take on the undead. If you’re in the mood for lighthearted chaos and a refreshingly stoned take on survival, this film is worth the watch.
Rating: 2.5/5
Directed by Michael Seabolt
Starring Cameron Vitos, Chandni Shah, William Mann, India Jasirib, Emily Ashby, Alexander D. Vogt, Jim Belden and Nicole Buch.
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