Night of the Living Deb
Directed by Kyle Rankin
Starring: Maria Thayer, Michael Cassidy, Ray Wise, Chris Marquette
Dark Sky Films
September 6, 2016
Reviewed by Jess Landry
It’s nearly impossible to talk about any new romantic zombie comedies (known as RomZomComs) without mentioning Shaun of the Dead. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s lovable homage paved the way for some lesser known (and often equally endearing) titles such as Life After Beth, Warm Bodies, and now, Night of the Living Deb.
After a girls’ night out, endearingly awkward Deb wakes up in the apartment of the most attractive guy in Portland, Maine. She’s thrilled, but can’t remember much about what actually got her there. Pretty boy Ryan, who’s engaged to be married, only knows her presence is a mistake and he ushers her quickly out the door — right into a full-scale zombie apocalypse!
Now, a walk of shame becomes a fight for survival as the mismatched pair must team up to survive. They make their way to Ryan’s rich dad’s mansion, hoping to lie low until the zombies disperse. But family fights may be just as dangerous and unsettling! Ultimately, Deb realizes that the only thing scarier than trusting someone with your life is trusting them with your heart.
The charm of this flick is all in its main character, Deb. She’s painfully awkward (and has a totally relatable, but ultimately useless wealth of movie knowledge), but that doesn’t stop her from stepping out of her comfort zone to snag a good looking fella. And what ends up being a one-night stand that was quickly heading south turns into two people getting to know each other — amidst flesh-eating zombies and the end of the world.
As far as special features go, there’s a few things included: 10 minutes of bloopers, a 30 minute behind-the-scenes featurette, and audio commentary with writer/director Kyle Rankin (remember him from the very first season of Project Greenlight?), actor/producer Michael Cassidy (who plays Ryan), actor Maria Thayer (who plays Deb), writer Andy Selsor, and editor Tony Copolillo.
Safe to say, if you’re looking for a change of pace from the barrage of why-so-serious? undead flicks and TV shows out there, and would prefer a fun, lighthearted romp, Night of the Living Deb’s got your back.
