We Are Zombies (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The 2024 horror-comedy We Are Zombies by RKSS, the Canadian filmmaking collective composed of Anouk Whissell, François Simard, and Yoann-Karl Whissell, presents a quirky and original take on the zombie genre. Known for their work on Turbo Kid and Summer of ’84, the trio continues their streak of blending genre films with dark humor, social commentary, and nostalgic references. This latest film, adapted from the French comic book series The Zombies That Ate the World, delves into a world where zombies, or the “Living Impaired,” coexist with humans in a chaotic society.
In this review, we will dive into the plot, performance, and technical aspects of We Are Zombies, and guide you on where to watch the movie online.
Plot Overview
We Are Zombies is set in a futuristic American city, where zombies—known as “Living Impaired”—are not the brain-eating monsters we’re used to but are instead just a nuisance. The society in the film treats these zombies as second-class citizens, subjecting them to systemic discrimination and exploitation. The story follows three slackers: Karl (Alexandre Nachi), Maggie (Megan Peta Hill), and their friend Derek (Freddy Mercks), who earn quick cash by exploiting zombies for a corporate giant named Coleman Retirement Services for the Living Impaired.
The trio’s illegal activities—selling zombie bodies to weird clients, like a gallery owner with a strange fascination for creating art from remains—take a turn for the worse when their shenanigans are discovered by Stanley (Patrick Abellard), a security operative for Coleman. Stanley kidnaps Karl and Maggie’s grandmother, demanding a ransom. Desperate for money, the trio embarks on a wild quest to recover the remains of a famous actress, leading to chaotic encounters with crooks, weirdos, and, of course, zombies.
A Unique Spin on the Zombie Genre
We Are Zombies stands apart from other zombie films by avoiding the usual apocalyptic narrative. Instead, the film paints zombies as non-cannibalistic, passive entities that have become part of society. The satirical take on capitalism and systemic oppression is thinly veiled through the treatment of zombies, who represent marginalized groups in a dystopian world.
While this approach is fresh, the film lacks the depth and world-building seen in films like Zombieland or Shaun of the Dead. The film’s narrative is thin, and it’s difficult to get fully immersed in the world as there’s little exposition to latch onto. However, the humor, particularly in the first half, shines through the crisp editing and clever dialogues.
Performances and Characters
The central cast of We Are Zombies works hard to carry the film despite weak character development. Karl, played by Alexandre Nachi, is obsessed with sex, Maggie (Megan Peta Hill) is constantly swearing, and Derek (Freddy Mercks) is hopelessly in love with Maggie. The script reiterates these points repeatedly without adding much depth to the characters.
However, the actors’ performances make the film enjoyable. The trio’s comedic timing and chemistry are the heart of the movie. The supporting cast, including Carlo Mestroni as a bizarre gallery owner and Clare Coulter as the sweet grandmother, adds eccentricity to the film’s atmosphere.
Humor and Gore
While the film lacks emotional depth, it more than compensates with its gore and dark humor. Fans of RKSS’s previous work, Turbo Kid, will appreciate the practical effects and blood-soaked action scenes. The movie’s final act, in particular, ramps up the gore, with body parts flying, zombies being decimated by saws, guns, and even wrestling moves.
The humor in We Are Zombies is both crass and clever, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The film uses its absurdity to its advantage, particularly in scenes involving the Coleman Retirement Services for the Living Impaired, which offers a satirical look at corporate greed and systemic exploitation.
Comparisons to Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead
It’s hard not to draw comparisons between We Are Zombies and other zombie-comedies like Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead. While these films succeeded with their shrewd world-building, energetic pacing, and emotional core, We Are Zombies falls short in those aspects. The movie is chaotic and messy, which fits its tone but makes it less accessible to mainstream audiences.
Still, fans of the genre and RKSS’s previous works will appreciate the film’s low-budget charm and nostalgic nods to earlier zombie classics. The synthwave music throughout the movie is a nice touch, reminiscent of Dawn of the Dead and other early zombie films.
Where to Watch We Are Zombies Online
As of now, We Are Zombies is available to stream on several platforms. In the U.S., you can find the movie on:
- Amazon Prime Video (Rent or Purchase)
- Apple TV (Rent or Purchase)
- Google Play Movies (Rent or Purchase)
It may also be available on subscription-based services like Tubi or Spectrum in the future, so be sure to check those platforms for updates.
Conclusion
We Are Zombies is a fun, albeit uneven, entry into the zombie-comedy genre. Its unique premise and crass humor set it apart from other zombie films, but its lack of emotional depth and detailed world-building hold it back from reaching the heights of genre classics like Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland. Despite these shortcomings, the film offers plenty of laughs and gore to keep horror-comedy fans entertained.
If you’re looking for a quirky, gore-filled movie with a mix of dark humor and social commentary, We Are Zombies is worth a watch. The performances, practical effects, and satirical take on capitalism make it a memorable, if not perfect, zombie romp.
