Zombeavers (2014) Movie Review: A Campy Horror-Comedy with Bite
Introduction
“Zombeavers,” directed by Jordan Rubin and released in 2014, is a horror-comedy that combines elements of creature features and satire. Known for its tongue-in-cheek humor and over-the-top premise, the film follows a group of college students who encounter a horde of zombie beavers while on a weekend getaway. This review covers the film’s plot, performances, direction, and impact, while also providing information on where to stream, rent, or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Summary
The story of “Zombeavers” begins with three college friends—Mary (Rachel Melvin), Zoe (Lexi Atkins), and Jen (Cortney Palm)—who head to a remote cabin for a relaxing weekend. Their plans are disrupted when they discover that the nearby lake has been contaminated by a toxic waste spill, leading to the creation of zombie beavers.
As the beavers turn into flesh-eating monsters, the group must fend off the attacks and find a way to survive the night. The film combines traditional horror elements with a heavy dose of humor and absurdity, resulting in a blend of gory fun and satirical commentary.
Performances
The cast, including Rachel Melvin, Lexi Atkins, and Cortney Palm, deliver performances that are intentionally exaggerated and humorous. Their characters play into typical horror tropes, but with a self-aware and comedic twist. Supporting roles by actors such as Peter Gilroy and Matthew Modine add to the film’s quirky charm, though the primary focus remains on the film’s blend of horror and comedy rather than deep character development.
Direction and Cinematography
Jordan Rubin’s direction brings a playful and irreverent tone to the film. His approach embraces the campiness of the premise, allowing the absurdity of zombie beavers to shine. The cinematography by Robert Hayes captures the film’s mix of horror and comedy with a balance of gory effects and humorous set pieces. The visual style complements the film’s tone, with practical effects and creature design that contribute to its cult appeal.
Themes and Symbolism
“Zombeavers” explores themes of survival and friendship within a framework of horror-comedy. The film plays with the conventions of the creature feature genre, using zombie beavers as a metaphor for the unexpected and outlandish challenges that arise in high-stress situations. The humor and absurdity of the premise serve to highlight the often arbitrary and exaggerated nature of horror film tropes.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences. Many praised its fun and campy approach, finding it to be an entertaining and enjoyable throwback to 1980s creature features. However, some critics noted that the film’s reliance on over-the-top humor and gore might not appeal to everyone. The film has garnered a cult following for its unique and humorous take on the zombie genre.
Streaming and Rental/Purchase Options in America
For those interested in watching “Zombeavers,” the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing costs about $9.99.
- Apple iTunes: Offers both rental and purchase options at similar price points to Amazon.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Also available for rent or purchase, typically costing $3.99 to rent and $9.99 to buy.
- Vudu: Provides both rental and purchase options, with prices generally in the same range.
Additionally, “Zombeavers” may occasionally be available on subscription-based streaming services such as Hulu or Tubi, though availability can vary and should be checked directly on these platforms.
Conclusion
“Zombeavers” (2014) is a campy and entertaining horror-comedy that embraces its absurd premise with humor and gory fun. While it may not offer the depth or subtlety of more serious horror films, it succeeds in delivering an enjoyable and humorous experience for fans of creature features and satire.
Final Thoughts
In summary, “Zombeavers” offers a unique and playful take on the zombie genre, with a blend of horror and comedy that makes it a fun watch for those who appreciate campy and over-the-top films. Its accessibility through various streaming and rental services in the United States makes it an easy choice for fans of genre mash-ups and horror comedies.
