In the clearly over-saturated field of zombie movies, finding one that genuinely does something different is becoming increasingly difficult. New Zealand Son Films throws this horror comedy into the mix and...well, let's take a look.
Considering it's New Zealand name, the company is a US one the movie is set in the USA telling the tale of Chad (Taylor Long, from a glut of low budget indie movies) and his fiancee Liz (Jada Kreuger from a other range of low budget movies co-starring Taylor Long), who are eloping to Laz Vegas when their truck breaks down outside a small middle-of-nowhere town. So far so typical horror-movie set-up trope. However, the townspeople are very strange and the town is holding a dark secret, which Chad and Liz will find out sooner than they think, and result in them fighting for survival amongst a zombie horde. The movie is written by Californian Sean King, of a number of low-budget movies starring Jada Kreuger and Taylor Long...oh!) But that's OK, what self-respecting director doesn't have a repertory of actors they like to use? Whatever you do, do NOT be put off by the low budget nature of this movie. Yes, the make up and effects might not be the greatest, but by the time the true nature of the movie is revealed, that will make perfect sense.
Billed as a "horror-comedy", it's neither scary enough for horror or silly enough for comedy, but what it does do is tread that middle line extremely well. The cast are great in their roles and they are all clearly having a great time. This infectious good nature flows into the viewer, and I found myself enjoying the film as much as they did. The script is smart enough to play with the viewer as well as our hapless couple, and when the true nature of the movie is revealed I was genuinely surprised. I did not see it coming at all. Once the pieces fall into place, it elevates this movie above many other low budget Zombie flicks.
Clocking in at a mere 77 minutes, it's just over and hour and a quarter of cliches, zombies, creepy townspeople, deep secrets and overall an enjoyable time. Just keep an open mind! You've probably got this far and still wondering why the film is called Zombie Repellant. There is a reason, but I won't spoil it for you!
Year: 2025
Availability: Amazon Prime
Rating: 7/10
