🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Kyle Rankin
- Genre: Comedy, Horror, Romance
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 25min
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10 (4.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
An awkward girl hooks up with a hot guy, only to wake up to find their walk of shame has been interrupted by, you guessed it, a zombie apocalypse caused by his evil water-selling family.
🍿 Night of the Living Deb: Detailed Plot Synopsis
An Awkward Morning Turns Apocalyptic
After a night of drinking on the eve of July 4th, the socially awkward Deb wakes up in the apartment of Ryan, the attractive guy she met at the bar. Neither remembers much, and Ryan is clearly trying to usher her out, making for an uncomfortable walk of shame. As Deb steps outside, she discovers the city of Portland, Maine, is in the midst of a full-blown zombie apocalypse. She quickly retreats back into Ryan’s apartment, forcing the mismatched pair together for survival.

Navigating Zombie-Infested Portland
Realizing the danger, Deb and Ryan decide they need to escape the city. Despite Ryan’s initial reluctance, they rely on Deb’s car to navigate the chaotic streets filled with the undead. Their plan leads them towards Ryan’s wealthy family mansion, hoping to find safety and a way out of the quarantined city. Along the way, they encounter other survivors and are forced to confront the terrifying new reality.

Arrival at the Waverly Mansion and Unsettling Discoveries
Deb and Ryan finally reach the Waverly estate, encountering Ryan’s family, including his abrasive brother Chaz and his father, Frank Waverly. The seemingly safe haven reveals unsettling truths. They soon learn that Ryan’s father and the Governor may be connected to the source of the outbreak, potentially linked to the family’s water supply business. The fight for survival becomes entangled with corporate secrets and political cover-ups.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Deb (N/A): The endearingly awkward protagonist who must survive a zombie apocalypse after waking up in a stranger’s apartment.
- Ryan (N/A): The attractive man whose apartment Deb wakes up in, unexpectedly becoming her partner in navigating the zombie outbreak.
- Stacy (N/A): Deb’s energetic best friend from the night out who joins their chaotic journey through the zombie-infested city.
- Dan (N/A): Ryan’s cynical friend or roommate who finds himself reluctantly caught up in the apocalyptic events with Deb and Ryan.
- Zombies (N/A): The reanimated dead who serve as the primary and relentless antagonistic force throughout the story.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Deb Clarington: “Boy, the parade’s really going downhill.” – Said upon seeing the initial chaos of the zombie outbreak while still under the impression it was a bizarre Fourth of July parade.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $500,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Night of the Living Deb Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into Night of the Living Deb not expecting much, but honestly, I had a pretty good time! Maria Thayer as Deb is just hilarious and awkwardly relatable. I know some people found her annoying, but I thought her constant chatter and weird jokes were funny, especially the one-liners she throws out. I really liked the chemistry between Deb and Ryan, even though he starts off wanting her gone. Watching them awkwardly navigate a zombie apocalypse AND their potential romance was the best part. Ray Wise showing up was a fun surprise too, playing a delightfully smarmy character. Sure, the zombies looked a bit cheap, and the plot had some slow spots, but it totally works as a ‘Rom-Zom-Com’. If you’re looking for a super serious zombie flick, this isn’t it, but if you want laughs, some gore, and a cute, weird love story during the end times, give it a shot.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of romantic comedies looking for a horror twist”
- “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted or satirical zombie films”
- “Those interested in low-budget independent movies”
- “Fans of quirky character-driven comedies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Moderate zombie violence and gore”
- “Some language”
- “Suggestive themes (one-night stand)”
- “Characters in peril”
Professional Reviews
- Indie Film Digest: “Night of the Living Deb dives headfirst into the Rom-Zom-Com pool, emerging with a splashy, albeit slightly uneven, result. Maria Thayer is genuinely endearing as Deb, her rapid-fire wit providing most of the film’s charm. While the low budget shows and the plot occasionally meanders, her chemistry with Michael Cassidy carries the lighter moments. It’s a fun watch for genre fans looking for something quirky, even if it doesn’t quite hit the comedic heights of its influences.
- Horror Bytes: “Attempting the ‘Rom-Zom-Com’ requires a delicate balance, and Night of the Living Deb struggles to maintain it. The humor, often relying on the lead’s ‘quirkiness,’ frequently falls flat and becomes grating. Despite a promising premise and some recognizable faces like Ray Wise, the film’s repetitive dialogue and lack of genuine scares make it a chore to get through. A disappointing entry that doesn’t add much to the oversaturated zombie landscape.
- Portland Scene: “A love letter to Portland wrapped in zombie guts and awkward romance. While the production is clearly modest, the film captures the city’s unique vibe. Maria Thayer is a standout, bringing a much-needed energy and humor that elevates the material. The supporting cast, especially Ray Wise, adds fun moments. It’s not perfect, with some pacing issues, but it’s an entertaining local production that finds heart amidst the undead.
Audience Reactions
Audiences loved Maria Thayer’s performance and the film’s quirky sense of humor.: Many viewers found the movie to be a charming and funny take on the Rom-Zom-Com genre, appreciating its lighthearted tone and the lead actress.
Overall Consensus: Night of the Living Deb is a divisive but generally appreciated indie ‘Rom-Zom-Com’ that wins over many viewers with its lead actress’s performance and quirky humor, despite a low budget and inconsistent pacing.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was financed through a campaign on Kickstarter.”
- “It was filmed on location in Portland, Maine, where the story is set, adding authenticity to the local flavor.”
- “The director, Kyle Rankin, is from Maine, and the film includes subtle references and inside jokes for horror fans familiar with works often set in the state (like Stephen King’s).”
- “The film is described by its tagline and reviewers as a ‘Rom-Zom-Com’, blending romantic comedy and zombie genres.”
🖥️ How to Watch Night of the Living Deb?
Searching for where to watch ‘Night of the Living Deb’? This quirky Rom-Zom-Com is often available to stream on platforms like Prime Video (as mentioned in reviews). You can also typically rent or purchase ‘Night of the Living Deb’ digitally through major online retailers such as Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. Check these platforms for the most current availability and pricing options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Night of the Living Deb, you might like these similar films:
- Shaun of the Dead (2004): Widely considered the quintessential ‘Rom-Zom-Com’, it blends humor, horror, and romance with relatable characters facing an apocalypse, much like Night of the Living Deb.
- Warm Bodies (2013): Explores the romantic comedy elements within a zombie outbreak, focusing heavily on the relationship developing between a human and a zombie (or near-zombie).
- Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2010): An independent horror-comedy from a similar era that finds humor in genre tropes, featuring mismatched protagonists in increasingly absurd and bloody situations.
- Little Monsters (2019): A more recent take on the zombie comedy genre featuring adults trying to protect children during an outbreak, mixing gore with awkward comedy and budding romance.
- The Return of the Living Dead (1985): A classic cult zombie comedy known for its punk rock aesthetic, dark humor, talking zombies, and distinct blend of scares and laughs.
🛒 Night of the Living Deb Related Products
- Shaun of the Dead (Blu-ray): The iconic film that arguably perfected the ‘Rom-Zom-Com’ genre, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
- Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead: A comprehensive guide to surviving a zombie apocalypse, offering practical advice for real-world situations (or just fun reading).
- Left 4 Dead 2 (PC/Xbox): A cooperative first-person shooter where you and up to three friends fight your way through hordes of infected.
- Night of the Living Deb Movie Poster: High-quality print of the film’s official poster, featuring Deb and Ryan amidst the zombie chaos.
🎧 Soundtrack
Night of the Living Deb features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Night of the Living Deb’ is often available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video. It can also typically be rented or purchased digitally from major retailers such as Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. Availability may vary by region and time.
The movie follows Deb, a quirky woman who wakes up after a one-night stand with a handsome guy named Ryan, only to discover that a zombie apocalypse has broken out in Portland, Maine. Forced to team up, they navigate the zombie-infested city, attempting to reach Ryan’s family home for safety while uncovering a conspiracy behind the outbreak.
‘Night of the Living Deb’ is primarily a romantic comedy with horror elements, often described as a ‘Rom-Zom-Com’. While it features zombies and some gore, the focus is heavily on the humor, witty dialogue, and the developing relationship between the two lead characters.
The film stars Maria Thayer as Deb Clarington and Michael Cassidy as Ryan Waverly. Notable supporting cast members include Ray Wise as Frank Waverly and Chris Marquette as Chaz Waverly.
‘Night of the Living Deb’ was filmed on location in Portland, Maine, which serves as the setting for the zombie apocalypse.
No, ‘Night of the Living Deb’ is rated 15 (in the UK) and features zombie violence, gore, some language, and adult situations. It is not suitable for children.
🔥 Bonus Content
They Won’t Get Infected If Be Bitten By a Zombie | Night of the Living Deb recap |
Curious about Night of the Living Deb but maybe short on time? This recap quickly breaks down the plot and those interesting zombie rules, which I think is super helpful!
Top 7 Unknown Zombie Movies and Series You Need to Watch! Ranking 2024
Loved Night of the Living Deb and want to find more hidden zombie gems? Check out this list – it features Deb and points you towards other cool flicks you might have missed!
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