IT’S fair to say that zombie movies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Some people, of course, are scared witless by the thought of being targeted by the pesky undead.
As for me? I kind of drifted away from the zombie genre, as it was all becoming a bit tired.
That is until one night, a few years ago, when I was scrolling online and saw three words that sent a shiver down my spine.
Those three words, dear readers, were Scottish, zombie and musical.
And I can tell you that those three words led to one of the greatest movie experiences I’ve had in many years. Those three words led me to Anna and The Apocalypse.
The project started as the brainchild of writer-director Ryan McHenry, who shot a pilot production under the title Zombie Musical, filmed in Paisley.
Sadly, Ryan was diagnosed with a type of cancer known as osteosarcoma and lost his fight against the illness in May 2015.
Ryan was determined that his friends should carry on with the project. And, thankfully, they did.
Anna and The Apocalypse follows the story of Anna – a high school student who yearns to get away from her humdrum life.
Let’s be honest...we’ve all felt that way at one time or another.
The urge to explore is strong in all of us – and no-one more so than Anna, who faces criticism from her father, scepticism from her friends and just wants to take control of her own destiny.
Unfortunately for Anna, she also has to deal with a zombie apocalypse.
I don’t want to spoil things for anyone, so I won’t give away any more details but, come on, isn’t that enough of a selling point?
The cast is simply incredible.
Ella Hunt stars as Anna – and she absolutely nails it.
For a film that combines so many different elements – teen drama, musical, action, survival horror – Ella manages to swing her pendulum perfectly.
She can go from belting out a tune to smacking a zombie square in the face...and often does both at the same time.
The film also stars Malcolm Cumming as John, who is Anna’s best friend.
And then we get on to Sarah Swire, as Steph – the lady I want to be my new best friend.
Also playing their part are the utterly adorable Christopher Leveaux, as Chris, and Marli Siu, as Lisa.
Then you have Mark Benton, who plays the role of Anna’s dad, Tony.
The film also has the most amazing comedic talent, including someone I grew up watching – Paul Kaye.
He plays the headmaster at Anna’s school and his story arc is…well, I’ll keep that to myself, rather than you having to worry about spoilers.
If truth be told, I’m dying to tell you all about it.
I’d love to tell you about the time hen Anna [redacted] the [redacted], or the time when Steph [redacted] the [redacted] with a [redacted] all over the [redacted] place.
All you really need to know is that everything in this movie works. The music, the emotion, the action and the zombies will stay in your head for days.
You don’t have to be a fan of zombies to love this film.
Trust me...and give it a try.
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