A Shaun of the Dead Wannabe Zombie Flick Is a New HBO Chart Climber

Back in 2004, the world saw Simon Pegg-starring hit movie that paved the way for all modern zombie comedies. Indeed, Shaun of the Dead was so influential for the genre that the tropes used in it can be found in a number of other zom-coms, such as Jesse Eisenberg’s Zombieland (2009) and Nicholas Hoult’s Warm Bodies (2013).

Pegg’s comedy managed to become classics of the 21st century, and it’s proved by its 92% Tomatometer. The 2019 comedy that is now holding the seventh place in HBO’s global top was not so successful, even though it seems to stick to the same formula.

The film is set in a small peaceful town, where something obscure starts happening one seemingly usual night. The dead are about to rise from their graves and terrorize the locals, who don’t know how to confront the danger of numerous zombie attacks.

Their only hope is three awkward police officers and a mysterious morgue expert, who team up to enter the battle against the dead, and it will be a long night.

The movie fell victim to critics’ strict judgment, as it was panned for incoherent narration and controversial humor. It is claimed to be a comedy that doesn’t amuse, a horror that doesn’t scare, and it’s reflected in its 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nevertheless, it’s still a curious example of a zombie comedy, and over the course of these years it has gained a solid number of fans. They praise it for being a witty, yet sophisticated satire on all zombie flicks and for mocking the subgenre’s typical tropes.

The main key to the film’s spectacularity appears to be its star-studded cast. It contains brilliant performances of Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Tilda Swinton, Tom Waits, and Danny Glover.

Titled The Dead Don't Die, it’s a pretty good choice for those who enjoy zombie movies.

“It was hysterical, given the deadpan deliveries and the later fourth wall breaking. As it gets more ridiculous, the deadpan only drives things up more,” says Redditor @KinkyHuggingJerk about it.

Give this flick a try, as The Dead Don't Die is available for streaming on HBO Max .