We Are Zombies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three slacker friends try to make a quick buck by collecting surprisingly polite, non-cannibal zombies, but accidentally kick off a corporate conspiracy that threatens their grandma and the entire living-impaired community.

🍿 We Are Zombies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life in Necropolis: Zombies Are Just ‘Living-Impaired’

In the city of Necropolis, life has adjusted to the presence of ‘living-impaired’ individuals, commonly known as non-cannibal zombies. These undead are not the flesh-eating monsters typically depicted; instead, they are a marginalized segment of society, often viewed as a burden or even a source of cheap labor. The film establishes a world where zombies have rights, and their condition is treated more like a disability.

The Neard Siblings’ Shady Business

The story centers on three slackers seeking easy money: Karl Neard, his half-sister Maggie, and their friend Freddy Mercks. Maggie, a former employee of the powerful Coleman Corporation, uses her old access to identify recent zombie transformations. The trio then races against legitimate zombie extractors, Stanley and Rocco, to collect the newly turned undead and sell them to a peculiar rich client, Otto Maddox, at a discount. This illicit scheme is driven by their need for quick cash and their general slacker attitudes.

Corporate Conspiracy and Rising Stakes

Their small-time criminal enterprise soon draws the attention of the Coleman Corporation, led by the ruthless Bob Coleman, and his lead researcher, Hannity. Coleman is conducting secret, ethically dubious experiments on the living-impaired, and the Neard siblings’ activities are disrupting his supply. As their debts to the legitimate (and dangerous) extractors, Stanley and Rocco, mount, the stakes escalate, forcing Karl, Maggie, and Freddy into a desperate mission that intertwines with Coleman’s dark agenda and the fate of their kidnapped grandmother.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Karl Neard (Alexandre Nachi): A nerdy slacker who, along with his friends, engages in illicit zombie ‘extractions’ to earn easy money.
• Freddy Mercks (Derek Johns): The bumbling and somewhat idiotic slacker who joins Karl and Maggie in their scheme to profit from non-cannibal zombies.
• Maggie Neard (Megan Peta Hill): Karl’s resourceful half-sister who devises the scheme for the slackers to earn money by illicitly extracting and selling non-cannibal zombies.
• Mrs. Neard (Clare Coulter): The kidnapped grandmother of Karl and Maggie, whose abduction serves as a primary motivation for the slackers’ dangerous endeavors.
• Hannity (Benz Antoine): A key corporate researcher for the Coleman corporation whose dangerous experiments on zombies threaten to unleash a true apocalypse.
• Bob Coleman (Guy Nadon): The head of the powerful Coleman corporation, which deceptively offers an ‘afterlife with dignity’ for the ‘living impaired’ while secretly conducting unethical experiments.
• Stanley (Patrick Abellard): A rival, legitimate zombie extractor for the Coleman corporation who becomes an antagonist when the slackers cut into his business.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Freddy Mercks: “Have you ever seen an asshole? They’re not pretty.” – A crude yet comically direct observation made by Freddy, highlighting his blunt personality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,230,267

💥 We Are Zombies Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘We Are Zombies’ not knowing much, but wow, what a wild ride! I loved the whole concept of non-cannibal zombies – it’s such a fresh twist on a genre that often feels played out. The humor really landed for me, especially the dynamic between the three main characters; they felt like actual friends, just really incompetent ones. There were moments of pure slapstick gold mixed with genuinely impressive gore, which is exactly what I look for in a horror-comedy. The ending really stuck with me; it was surprisingly impactful after all the mayhem. If you’re a fan of bizarre, darkly funny, and visually striking indie films, you absolutely have to check this out. It’s got heart, guts, and a totally unique vibe!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of horror-comedies like ‘Shaun of the Dead’ or ‘Zombieland'”
  • “Viewers who enjoyed ‘Turbo Kid’ and ‘Summer of 84′”
  • “Those looking for a fresh, unconventional take on the zombie genre”
  • “Audiences who appreciate low-budget, gory, and slapstick humor”
  • “People interested in films with strong practical effects and creature makeup”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Adult themes and suggestive content (sex-fueled comedy)”
  • “Some viewers may find the characters unlikable”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “We Are Zombies delivers a surprisingly fresh take on the undead, balancing its low-brow humor with genuinely impressive practical effects. While the plot veers into chaotic absurdity, the film’s commitment to its unique vision and the endearing, if dim-witted, trio of protagonists make it a bloody good time for fans of gonzo horror-comedy.
• IndieWire: “RKSS collective’s latest dives headfirst into a world where zombies are ‘living impaired’ burdens, not brain-eaters. The film visually dazzles with its distinct aesthetic and gory practical effects, reminiscent of their ‘Turbo Kid’ days. However, the humor can be hit-or-miss, and some characters grate, preventing it from fully capitalizing on its brilliant premise.
• Bloody Disgusting: “For those craving a Zom/Com that dares to be different, ‘We Are Zombies’ is a welcome jolt. Its audacious premise of non-cannibalistic, rights-demanding zombies creates a surprisingly rich satirical backdrop. While the narrative occasionally stumbles, the sheer creativity in creature design and the relentless, chaotic energy carry it through. A bloody, hilarious, and ultimately sweet ride.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the film’s unique take on zombies as ‘living-impaired’ burdens rather than brain-eaters, providing a refreshing twist.: Many found the practical effects and zombie makeup to be outstanding, adding a crucial layer of authenticity and fun to the gore. The blend of comedy and horror, along with the quirky, flawed characters, was often highlighted as a major draw.

Overall Consensus: We Are Zombies is generally seen as a refreshing and entertaining horror-comedy that stands out with its unique non-cannibal zombie concept and impressive practical effects, despite some mixed reactions to its humor and character development.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a graphic novel series titled ‘We Are Zombies’ by Jerry Frissen, which reimagines the zombie genre with non-cannibalistic undead.”
• “It comes from the RKSS collective (François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell), known for their distinct genre films like ‘Turbo Kid’ and ‘Summer of 84’.”
• “The movie is praised for its extensive use of practical effects and creature makeup, aiming for a visual style that stands out from CGI-heavy zombie productions.”
• “One particular street scene featuring a fire was reportedly used in an anti-Kamala Harris advertisement.”

🖥️ How to Watch We Are Zombies?

You can stream ‘We Are Zombies’ on various Video On Demand (VOD) platforms. As of its general release, it is available for purchase or rental on digital storefronts like Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred digital movie retailer for availability and pricing, as options may vary by region. The film premiered in France on July 31, 2024, so it should be widely accessible digitally.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed We Are Zombies, you might like these similar films:

• Turbo Kid (2015): From the same filmmaking collective (RKSS), sharing a similar cult-classic, retro-inspired, gore-heavy, and darkly comedic tone.
• Shaun of the Dead (2004): A quintessential horror-comedy that masterfully blends zombie action with sharp wit and character-driven humor, setting a high bar for the subgenre.
• Zombieland (2009): Features a comedic ensemble navigating a zombie-infested world with distinct rules and a focus on survival and humor, much like ‘We Are Zombies’ unique setting.
• Cooties (2014): Explores a unique and absurd premise for zombie infection (infected chicken nuggets turning kids into zombies), much like ‘We Are Zombies’ redefines the undead.
• Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015): Offers a raunchy, youth-oriented take on the zombie apocalypse with plenty of gross-out humor and action, appealing to fans of ‘We Are Zombies” comedic style.
• Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010): A beloved horror-comedy that hilariously subverts slasher tropes, demonstrating a similar knack for genre deconstruction and comedic gore that ‘We Are Zombies’ attempts.

🛒 We Are Zombies Related Products

• We Are Zombies: The Graphic Novel Collection: Dive deeper into the world of Necropolis with the original graphic novel series by Jerry Frissen that inspired the film. This collection features the vibrant art and dark humor that laid the foundation for the movie’s unique take on the undead.
• We Are Zombies (Limited Edition Blu-ray/4K UHD): Own the visually stunning film in high definition with this collector’s edition, featuring exclusive bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and cast interviews. Experience the vibrant practical effects and unique world-building in crystal clarity.
• Necropolis Living-Impaired Disposal Squad T-Shirt: Show your allegiance to the chaotic zombie disposal crew with this premium cotton t-shirt, featuring a retro-inspired design of Karl, Freddy, and Maggie in action. Available in various sizes.
• Zombie Army 4: Dead War (Digital Download for PC/Console): While ‘We Are Zombies’ offers a unique take, extend your undead adventures with this critically acclaimed co-op shooter. Fight hordes of gruesome zombies and grotesque creatures in a supernatural alternate history. Experience intense action and dark humor in a different zombie setting.

🎧 Soundtrack

We Are Zombies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “One Child” – performed by Le Matos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WE BECAME ZOMBIES IN REAL LIFE

Ever wondered what it would be like if a zombie apocalypse actually happened? This video throws real people into a college overrun by zombies, and honestly, it’s pretty intense! I was on the edge of my seat seeing if they’d escape or get zombified.

WE ARE SURROUNDED BY ZOMBIES

Think you could survive a zombie outbreak? This video shows a group creating a hidden self-sufficient base in a zombie-overrun village, and it really makes you think about what you’d do! I found it fascinating to see their strategies for staying safe.

Peppa Pig vs Zombies. The first season. All parts. (Complete)

Who knew Peppa Pig could be a zombie slayer? This incredibly popular animated parody takes the zombie apocalypse to a whole new, unexpectedly hilarious level. Seriously, you won’t believe how wild this ride is!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=A_DrUWdYOZA

✨ Rate