THE ELIXIR on Netflix is a new Zombie Horror Movie where the zombies are super-fast and the effects are very impressive. Unfortunately, most characters react and act in stupid ways, but that just means most won’t make it. Read our full The Elixir movie review here!

THE ELIXIR is a new Netflix horror movie with zombies. Lots of zombies. And not the slow and stupid kind, but the very fast and relentless kind. Like the zombies of World War Z or Train to Busan.

The effects are impressive for this zombie horror movie, which makes it all come together very efficiently. It is, however, too long at almost two hours of runtime. The story can handle it for the most part, but it still would’ve been stronger with a shorter runtime.

Continue reading our The Elixir horror movie review below. Find it on Netflix from October 23, 2025.

From eternal youth to being undead

Just as in many other zombie movies, The Elixir also begins with a medical experiment. In the iconic 28 Days Later (and its sequels), it was all about weaponizing rage. And in I Am Legend, it was a cure for cancer that may have healed cancer, but turned the patients into zombies.

With The Elixir, it’s the search for eternal youth that starts the zombie apocalypse. Having tried a new potion, the effects are immediate, and a man looks years (if not decades) younger in record time.

However, before long, something strange happens to his skin. It’s a very efficient special effect where the skin essentially dissolves. Think of a bath bomb when it meets water, but now it’s just happening to the skin on someone’s face.

Then their eyes glaze over and black blood spills from their mouths. Next thing, they want to eat you, so you’d better run. And fast. These zombies are unstoppable.

Please communicate better

While much of The Elixir makes for a very entertaining and efficient zombie horror movie, the characters did annoy me quite a lot. Mostly, their lack of communication made for some predictable and irritating scenes.

I realize they’re all experiencing something new and strange, but surely, it is possible to warn other people of the dangers.

The Elixir is set in a remote village near Yogyakarta, so obviously, this also includes its own challenges. Buildings are far apart and often built with rather flimsy materials. Closing the door on a horde of zombies won’t buy you much time.

The rain, however, seems to offer some welcome relief, which was a nice new element to the zombie lore.

Needless to say, panic runs wild as these undead creatures with dissolving skin are pouncing on everything with a pulse. All family drama fueled by egos and emotions must be put on the back burner if they are to have any hope of surviving this initial wave of the zombie apocalypse.

Watch The Elixir on Netflix now

The Indonesian zombie horror movie is written by director Kimo Stamboel (The Queen of Black Magic) alongside Agasyah Karim and Khalid Kashogi, with Edwin Nazir serving as producer.

Two of the key characters may be familiar to you as Kenes is portrayed by Mikha Tambayong (Blood Curse) and Karina is played by Eva Celia (The Shadow Strays). However, trust me, whether you know these actors or not, it won’t matter much.

WANT MORE ZOMBIES?

Check out our review of Queens of the Dead here >>>

The practical and special effects of The Elixir should satisfy most horror fans. And if you also like zombie movies, then watching this on Netflix should be a no-brainer (oh yes, pun very much intended). Check it out and have fun with these teeth-chattering zombies!

The Elixir premieres on Netflix on October 23, 2025.

Details

Director: Kimo Stamboel
Screenwriters: Kimo Stamboel, Agasyah Karim, Khalid Kashogi
Cast: Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Donny Damara, Dimas Anggara, Marthino Lio, Kiki Narendra, Varen Arianda Calief

Plot

An elixir unleashes the undead in a village. A family at odds with one another must unite and fight to survive as their hometown collapses.

QUEENS OF THE DEAD is a new Queer Zombie Horror Comedy. They’re calling it a “Zom-Com” and I can see why. It’s very kitsch and a campy, fun watch. Obviously, it won’t be for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for something over-the-top, this should do the trick. Read our full Queens of the Dead movie review here!

QUEENS OF THE DEAD is a new Horror Comedy from Tina Romero. And yes, the name does reveal the connection to iconic zombie filmmaker George A. Romero. There’s even a direct nod to the director and his zombie movies, made via a cameo by Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead, 1978).

A MUST-WATCH IT IF YOU ENJOYED…

The super campy Tubi vampire horror-comedy Slay >

It doesn’t get much more campy and kitsch than that. And yes, this is also a zombie movie. However, it’s one with a queer center as it takes place in an LGBTQ+ club and features glorious drag queens. Hence the title: a play on Dawn of the Dead, but with drag queens.

Continue reading our Queens of the Dead movie review below. Find it in theaters from October 24, 2025.

A zombie apocalypse… in Brooklyn?!

With Queens of the Dead, we see a zombie apocalypse break out in Brooklyn. It’s on the night of a giant warehouse party, which isn’t off to the best start. Even before the zombies start arriving. At YUM (that’s the name of the club), the star performer has just ditched them for a bigger and better venue.

From this moment, we begin the commentary on social media and influencer issues, which becomes a theme in Queens of the Dead. However, this is a horror-comedy with zombies, so the commentary comes in the form a well-timed and poignant jabs. Ones we should all recognize.

If you don’t, then you’re probably guilty of doing it yourself. Just sayin’.

Anyway, at YUM, we meet an eclectic group of drag queens, club kids, and a few frenemies who will be forced to put all their drama aside. Easier said than done, obviously, but once the zombies arrive, most petty feuds can be put on the back burner.

They also need to learn how to fight these brain-thirsty, and practically brain-dead-yet-still-scrolling, creatures. Of course, drag queens (and queer people in general) have always been innovative whenever a situation called for it.

An homage to the family legacy

With this Zom-Com, Tina Romero is clearly creating an homage to her father’s iconic zombie universe. The zombies are still stupid and slow, but in this very contemporary version, it plays out in a queer nightclub.

Also, there’s a running gag about us humans being so attached to our smartphones that even as zombies, we continue hitting refresh on that social media feed.

I loved this little detail, as many people are clearly like zombies when looking down at their phones. Just look around and you’ll see those phone-zombies all around you.

A deliciously queer cast

In case it hasn’t already been made clear, Queens of the Dead is an unapologetic queer movie. However, as is always the case with queer spaces, everyone is welcome. As long as you’re ready to embrace and accept people for who they are, the more the merrier.

With the cast of Queens of the Dead, we are being treated to many LGBTQ+ actors.

From Katy O’Brian (Love Lies Bleeding) as the YUM club owner to Jack Haven (I Saw the TV Glow) as the intern, and Cheyenne Jackson (Werewolves Within) as the bartender. Or how about comedian Margaret Cho, who comes swooping in just when her tough attitude is needed the most.

Also in the cast are Jaquel Spivey (Mean Girls), Tomas Matos (Fire Island), Nina West, Quincy Dunn-Baker (A House of Dynamite), Dominique Jackson (Pose), Riki Lindhome (The Hand That Rocks The Cradle), Eve Lindley (Bros), and Shaunette Renée Wilson (Black Panther).

Watch Queens of the Dead in theaters!

As already mentioned, Tina Romero is the director of Queens of the Dead, which she also co-wrote with Erin Judge. This isn’t the first time Tina Romero writes or directs, but it is her first feature film. And what a fabulous debut at that!

No, this isn’t a new zombie classic, but it really doesn’t try to be either. It is camp all the way, and it’s obviously meant to entertain and let the audience have fun with it. I would absolutely recommend watching this in a theater, as I can only imagine it will be a fabulous experience.

At 100 minutes, this Zom-Com does run too long, but it’s not by too much. Tightening the pace would have made for a better overall viewing experience. Maybe next time, as there is definitely room to make a sequel. And I would be very happy to watch Queens of the Dead 2 as well.

QUEENS OF THE DEAD is out in theaters on October 24, 2025. It will also be available on Shudder later.

Details

Director: Tina Romero
Writers: Tina Romero and Erin Judge
Cast: Katy O’Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Tomas Matos, Nina West, Quincy Dunn-Baker, Jack Haven, Cheyenne Jackson, Dominique Jackson, Margaret Cho, Riki Lindhome, Eve Lindley, Becca Blackwell, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Julie J

Plot

A zombie apocalypse breaks out in Brooklyn on the night of a giant warehouse party, where an eclectic group of drag queens, club kids, and frenemies must put aside their drama and use their unique skills to fight against the brain-thirsty, scrolling undead.

ZIAM on Netflix is a new Zombie movie with a Martial Arts twist, as the main character is a Muay Thai fighter. The worldbuilding is good, but the characters are too underdeveloped for my liking. Read our full Ziam movie review here!

ZIAM is a new Netflix zombie movie with a Thai martial arts twist. While this story is about the actual zombie outbreak, the world it happens in has already been wrecked by climate change.

As entertaining as this movie is, I needed a lot more focus on the characters and what made them tick. We do get some input, but just not nearly enough, which is a real shame. However, I did really love the final zombie twist, so points for that.

Also, the runtime is just around an hour and a half, which also works in its favor.

Continue reading our Ziam movie review below. Find the movie on Netflix from July 9, 2025.

Zombies vs a Muay Thai fighter

In Ziam, we meet a young man, Singh, trying to make a living by being a driver and the security detail for the truck he’s driving. As a Muay Thai fighter, he is uniquely qualified for the job.

As we’re in a post-apocalyptic future where hunger is rampant due to climate change, transporting anything is dangerous. Think Mad Max but in Thailand. Also, this Netflix movie isn’t about transporting stuff.

That’s just where the story begins, as the product they’re transporting ends up kicking off a zombie outbreak.

Most of Ziam plays out in a hospital. This is where someone is taken when very strange symptoms occur. Unfortunately, he’s infected with something that turns him into a zombie, and not only does he turn quickly, but he is also a superfast zombie!

Think Train to Busan, though that South Korean zombie movie had a much stronger character-driven story thanks to its well-developed characters.

A rescue mission begins

It turns out the main character (the Muay Thai fighter) has a girlfriend, Rin, who works as a doctor in the hospital experiencing the outbreak. As soon as he hears of trouble at the hospital, he’s off to try and rescue her.

Obviously, he doesn’t know that a zombie outbreak is happening. He just needs to make sure she’s safe.

This is, of course, just the overall contours of the storyline, but it’s all you need to know before watching it. If you enjoy zombie stories and martial arts fight sequences, then you’re in luck with Ziam.

Also, there is a great zombie twist showing the origin and evolution of these new zombies in a fascinating way.

Will there be a Ziam 2 on Netflix?

With the ending of Ziam, it’s difficult not to think that a Ziam 2 is already in the works. The ending certainly makes a Ziam sequel feel not just possible, but planned.

As always with Netflix, we know that if it’s a hit, more will come. And this zombie movie certainly has everything needed to be a hit.

As soon as we get word of a Ziam 2 being greenlit by Netflix, we’ll be sure to update you.

Watch Ziam on Netflix now!

The director of Ziam is Kulp Kaljareuk, who also produced the Netflix miniseries Master of the House (2024), so it’s someone already in the Netflix family. This Thai Netflix production is of a great quality and has both well-made CGI and practical effects.

WHY THE TITLE ZIAM?

The title has a dual meaning as “Siam” is the former name of Thailand, while exchanging the letter S for a Z refers to the Zombie element of the story. So essentially, it refers to this being a Thai Zombie story.

The director also serves as a screenwriter alongside Vathanyu Ingkawiwat, Nut Nualpang, Chonnatee Pimnam, and Weerasu Worrapot.

I should mention that while I appreciate the idea of bare-handed combat, it does pose a problem when you’re fighting zombies. Fortunately, much of Muay Thai fighting happens using elbows, but I still feel his hands were often way too close to their mouths.

Maybe that’s just me?!

In any case, I enjoyed seeing Mark-Prin Suparat as Singh and Nychaa-Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich as Rin. As a zombie thriller, the movie works well in intensity. I just wish there had been more focus on character development. That would’ve improved the overall experience for me.

Ziam premieres on Netflix globally on July 9, 2025.

Details

Director: Kulp Kaljareuk
Writers: Nut Nualpang, Weerasu Worrapot, Vatanyu Ingkavivat, Chonnatee Pimnam
Cast: Prin Suparat, Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich, Wanvayla Boonnithipaisit, Johnny Anfone, Pimmada Borriruksupakorn, and Jason Young

Plot

In a world gripped by food shortages, a tenacious Muay-Thai boxer battles a zombie outbreak inside a hospital to save his girlfriend from the jaws of death.

28 YEARS LATER is the very long-awaited 28 Days Later sequel set nearly three decades after the original movie. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are back as director and writer, and the Rage Virus is still haunting the UK. Part one of a trilogy. Read our full 28 Years Later movie review here!

28 YEARS LATER is a new horror movie from director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who also created the original rage virus zombie movie from 2002. That’s right, this is the very long-awaited 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later sequel.

ARE YOU READY FOR 28 YEARS LATER?

Then be sure to check out our feature with all must-know details here >

This movie is so full of humanity and heart (as was the first movie), but it’s also very brutal and extremely violent. Again, just like the first movie. The only downfall – well, just a bit – is that this is the first of a planned trilogy, and it shows, so it feels strangely incomplete.

Continue reading our 28 Years Later movie review below. Find it in theaters worldwide from June 20, 2025.

It’s been 28 years, and the rage continues

When 28 Years Later opens, it’s with a scene somewhat similar to the first movie, 28 Days Later. We see the rage virus spread rapidly, and it’s murder and mayhem, where only a few survive.

Then there’s a 28-year time jump, and now we’re closer to the present. While it’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, the UK is still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine.

QUICK SIDE NOTE ABOUT 28 WEEKS LATER

Don’t worry too much about the ending of 28 Weeks Later. That movie did not come from the franchise creators Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, and it’s still “just” the UK being quarantined.

Back to 28 Years Later, where a group of uninfected humans have found refuge on a small island. The kind that is only connected to mainland UK by a single causeway. Essentially, this means they can defend it easily if anyone should approach when it’s low tide.

The people on this island have created a new community and begun to live again. Not unlike what we’ve seen in The Walking Dead. However, just like in that zombie graphic novel and series, they have to venture out for food and supplies.

During one of these missions to the still-infected mainland, they will discover new things. Like how the world of the infected has evolved. We’ve got both slow and fast “berserkers”.

Reminder: Rather than calling the rage virus-infected “zombies”, they are called “berserkers” as they go berserk.

The Alpha berserkers of 28 Years Later are huge

Also, there are huge berserkers called an “Alpha”. These particular creatures have grown taller, stronger, faster, and, ahem, larger in every single sense of the word.

Oh yeah, this is definitely something people will be talking about when watching the movie in theaters.

I suspect movie theaters will be full of laughter or feelings of shock and discomfort. In Europe, I suspect people will react less, while some areas of the US might have very strong reactions.

Then again, those people would call horror movies demonic, so maybe they’ll just skip it. Not that this would ever keep that kind of person from commenting on said movies.

Anyway, we shall see.

Had this movie been 3D, you’d be afraid something might hit you in the eye. Just sayin’! It’s as impressive as it is terrifying. Also, it would be wildly unrealistic to think these berserkers (slow, quick, alphas, and everything in between) would worry about clothes.

This makes sense!

Amazing cast for the Rage Virus movies

28 Years Later is the third film in the 28 Days Later franchise, but it’s mostly a sequel to the first movie. Also, it’s the first movie in what is planned as a new trilogy. The second movie is scheduled for release in early 2026 and will be titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

In any case, all three movies have so far had brilliant casts. The first one featured Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, and Christopher Eccleston. The second movie, 28 Weeks Later, had Idris Elba, Jeremy Renner, Rose Byrne, and Robert Carlyle.

Hot tip: Cillian Murphy is onboard as a producer for this third movie and is expected to return later in the trilogy. Read more about Cillian Murphy’s return to the 28 Days Later franchise here >

For 28 Years Later, we’re getting Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes in key roles. Also in a huge role is the young actor Alfie Williams, who reminded me so much of Tom Holland in J.A. Bayona‘s 2012 movie The Impossible.

Finally, we have Jack O’Connell (Sinners) in a role that will surely tie into the next movie.

Watch 28 Years Later in Theaters

As mentioned several times already, Danny Boyle is back directing this third movie in the franchise. He also directed 28 Days Later, and it is wonderful to see his wild touch yet again. I especially like the wild cuts to real-life events or (for this third installment) old movies.

As the island of survivors feels like something from at least a century ago, we now see moments and scenes intersected with scenes from movies featuring knights. Screenwriter of the first movie, Alex Garland, is also back as the writer of this third movie, and I love it.

Also, there’s that haunting rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Boots”. It was in the trailer and is featured in the 28 Years Later movie in an extremely powerful way, set nearly three decades after the original movie.

THE HAUNTING “BOOTS” POEM USED IN 28 YEARS LATER

I dare you to listen to the raw and full 1915 recording of the entire poem on YouTube – click here to find it embedded below >>>

Alegedly, it’s been used to train US soldiers to prepare for the intensity of war and possible captivity. It’s easy to understand why, as it is brutally efficient. That’s the intense feeling of this movie as well. Except for that final scene, which leads to the next movie.

I wish they had saved that final scene for an end-credit scene. And no, there is no end credit scene in 28 Years Later. But throughout the end credits, it does cut brutally to quick clips from the movie you just watched.

Had they saved that final scene for the 28 Years Later end credits, it would’ve been optimal. The style confusion (for lack of a better description) threw me a bit. Other than that, I was impressed and pleased with the movie and cannot wait for the next two movies!

28 Years Later is in movie theaters worldwide from Friday, June 20, 2025.

Details

In Theaters: June 20, 2025
Director: Danny Boyle
Writers: Danny Boyle, Alex Garland
Cast: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell

Plot

It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

OPERATION UNDEAD is a Thai War movie with a zombie-monster-inspired plot but a much deeper message than expected. It’s essentially about humanity while also being extremely bloody and violent. Read our full Operation Undead movie review here!

OPERATION UNDEAD is a genre movie from Thailand. On the surface, it’s a movie about a virus that created super soldiers that are essentially undead much like zombies or vampires. However, they also still retain some of their humanity and intellect.

This combination of a character-driven storyline where the people who turn into undead monsters are still actual characters is a real mindf*ck. It results in a movie that may be extremely violent, but it never forgets to focus on its characters and plot. It’s quite amazing!

Continue reading our Operation Undead movie review below. Find it on VOD from March 25, 2025.

Thailand during WWII

Admittedly, I am not too familiar with what various Asian countries had to endure during WWII. What I know comes mostly from watching genre movies that focus on this – along with a few documentaries that didn’t go too much into details.

That’s why I found it fascinating to watch Project Undead and its focus on the impact of Japan on Thailand during this period.

As the movie begins, we’re watching young and rather fool-hearted Thai army recruits in the fairly early stages of their training. Suddenly, things change very quickly (after all, this is during WWII) and they are forced into combat action.

Before long they realize that something very sinister is going on. A Japanese military experiment has released a creature that infects everyone it doesn’t kill. Suddenly, we’re going from one person in an experiment to an army of undead.

But still, the soldiers know who they are and recognize those around them. They’re not quite turning completely which makes them good soldiers, but also emotional and faulty humans.

The super soldier dream

We’ve already covered movies about the desire to create super soldiers. One of the most famous movies is probably the 1992 sci-fi action movie Universal Soldier starring Jean Claude van Damme and Dolph Lungren.

Roland Emmerich’s movie is about soldiers who are killed in action only to be brought back to life as superhuman warriors. All as part of a top-secret military experiment. And, of course, we have RoboCop that also does something similar, but it happens to a cop rather than a soldier.

For Project Undead, the story plays out during WWII which lends a very different vibe to the story and setting. Of course, experimenting on soldiers (or their enemies) is nothing new, but this one takes it to extremes.

Watch Project Undead, if you enjoyed Overlord (2018), another zombie-monster story that plays out during WWII, or the extremely intense Project Wolf Hunting from South Korea.

Just know that what sets Project Undead apart is that there is a strong focus on humanity rather than the monsters we can become. And, as with all zombie movies, the real monsters are always human beings not infected by the zombie virus.

Watch Project Undead on VOD

Kongkiat Komesiri is the writer and director of Project Undead, which managed to surprise me in all the right ways. If you want a straight-up zombie movie then you’re in luck as this is hyper-violent.

However, if you want something deeper and more character-driven, then you are also in luck. Imagine The Cured or Handling the Undead but without the slowburn and dramatic storyline. You’re still getting all the undead creatures you want but with much more depth to the storyline.

What sets Project Undead apart from many other zombie-inspired stories is that they continue to hold on to some humanity. This means they can still work together and have some idea of right and wrong – plus who’s friend or foe, which is especially important during battle.

This Thai zombie war movie sadly has a rather low rating on IMDb, which is a shame, but just ignore that and give this genre movie a shot. It has a lot more to say than you’d expect.

Project Undead is out On Digital from March 25, 2025.

Details

Director: Kongkiat Komesiri
Writer: Kongkiat Komesiri
Cast: Nonkul, Awat Ratanapintha, Supitcha Sangkhachinda, Ararat Nimtchai, Seigi Ohzeki

Plot

Forced into action during WWII, a group of fresh Thai army recruits finds itself battling the bloodthirsty results of a Japanese military experiment.

NEWTOPIA on Prime Video is a new Korean Zombie Series made as a horror-comedy. Almost a slapstick slasher, really, so it surely won’t be for everyone. It premieres with the first two episodes and lots of well-known South Korean actors. Read our Newtopia series review here!

NEWTOPIA is a new Prime Video horror-comedy series from South Korea. Do not be fooled by the official genres of “romance” and “comedy”. Sure, there is lots of comedy – it’s practically slapstick at times. And yes, romantic relationships are part of the story, but that can be said for virtually any horror movie as well.

This is a zombie story and we’re witnessing a zombie apocalypse as it happens in Seoul. The horror-comedy hybrid that gets very silly (and extremely bloody) won’t be for everyone. Just hang in there, and be ready for a slow first episode before episode 2 gets all kinds of crazy. The season has eight episodes.

Continue reading our Newtopia series review below. Find the two first episodes on Prime Video from February 7, 2025.

Witness the zombie apocalypse in Seoul

Lee Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) is starting his compulsory military service older than most and has a lot of anxiety about his future. Also, the soldiers in his unit are not the sharpest tools in the shed – so to speak. If these are the guys meant to keep Seoul safe, I would be nervous.

In fact, I think the soldiers are nervous themselves.

Jae-yoon’s girlfriend, Young-joo (Kim Jisoo) isn’t happy about them being apart. Or rather, she’s out partying and making him worried. However, all of this is small potatoes when a zombie outbreak suddenly spreads across the city of Seoul at record speed.

Isn’t that always the case with a zombie apocalypse?! Before anyone can react, many are dead and infected.

Fast zombies and young love

This sounds very dark and serious, but you’ll do well to keep in mind that Newtopia is a horror-comedy. The zombies are violent and fast, so there is plenty of death and blood. In fact, the zombies are a lot like what we saw in the South Korean mega-hit Train to Busan.

However, in Newtopia, the uninfected are reacting in stupid (and yes, silly) ways which means you won’t know who survives and who dies. Actually, at first, many of those who freeze or do weird things tend to survive in incredible ways.

Think the opposite of Final Destination, where somehow survival is thrust upon these fools instead of creative death traps. The zombie (and human) deaths are very creative and often a little (or a lot) funny as well.

Overall, however, the core plot of Newtopia will revolve around these two lovebirds trying to get back to one another, while fighting zombies.

Fans of South Korean productions are in luck

Whether the genre-hybrid of Newtopia is your cup of tea or not, the cast of the Prime Video zombie series from South Korea should be intriguing. The series stars Park Jeong-min and K-Pop sensation BLACKPINK’s Jisoo as the young couple trying to find each other during the zombie apocalypse in Seoul.

Park Jeong-min has already been in several productions reviewed on this website. Including the popular Netflix series Hellbound, Time to Hunt, and Svaha: The Sixth Finger (2019) to name just a few. Also, he was in Park Chan-wook‘s award-winning Decisions to Leave (2022).

Other familiar faces in Newtopia include Im Sung-jae (Hellbound season 2), Lee Hak-joo (Watching), Hong Seo-hui (Alchemy of Souls), and Kim Chan-hyung (Project Wolf Hunting, Sweet Home). Again, just to name a few. In this case, those most familiar to me via their previous roles.

Start watching Newtopia on Prime Video now!

Newtopia is an MGM Amazon Studios production and the episodes are directed by Yoon Sung-hyun. You may know his work from the movies Bleak Night and Time to Hunt. Both also starred Newtopia star Park Jeong-min.

The series is co-written by Han Jin-won and Jee Ho-jin. Han Jin-won co-wrote the Academy Award-winning Parasite (2019) with director Bong Joon-ho. Also, he was an Assistant Director on his Netflix movie Okja (2017). Jee Ho-jin wrote the Hulu & Disney+ series A Shop for Killers.

With so much talent behind this series, you won’t want to miss out on the unique zombie story filled with action, romance, and comedy. We’ll be getting a weekly episode of Newtopia, but the series premieres with the release of its two first episodes.

Newtopia premieres on Prime Video worldwide on February 7, 2025. 

Details

Director: Yoon Sung-hyun
Writers: Han Jin-won & Jee Ho-jin
Cast: Park Jeong-min, Kim Jisoo, Kang Young-seok

Plot

Nothing says fate like fighting for a second chance at love…during a zombie virus outbreak.

ZOMBIE STRAIN is a new horror-comedy with a zombie story. It’s much more comedy than zombie horror, but not without its own unique charm. This is a very low-budget production, but they work well with what they have. Read our full Zombie Strain movie review here!

ZOMBIE STRAIN is a low-budget horror-comedy about a zombie apocalypse. You can tell that this is a low-budget production, but I’m fine with that as long as the filmmakers lean into it. And they do with this one. The actual story and cast are a mixed bag, I’m afraid.

WANT TO WATCH MORE LOW-BUDGET PRODUCTIONS

Check out our review of low-budget genre movies right here >

There are truly funny moments and virtually every actor has good moments. Many of them just also tend to have scenes where they’re a little off. It’s a little too much “let’s pretend we’re making a movie” at times. Well, too much for my liking anyway.

Continue reading our Zombie Strain movie review below. Find it in select theaters and on VOD from January 24, 2025.

Get stoned to survive

In Zombie Strain, the main takeaway from the story is that you need to get stoned on a particularly potent strain of marijuana to survive. Somehow, zombies won’t touch you if you’re under the influence (and smell, no doubt) of the “zombie strain”.

Before we get that far, we meet a group of people helping a friend make his film school application video. They’re in a studio where an erotic Christmas movie is also being shot at the same time. This makes for some interesting audio during the first long while.

Once part of the crew (the interns) return from an errand, they have news; An actual zombie apocalypse is upon us.

Great one-liners in the mix

Both the adult entertainment crew and the film school applicant are now trapped in the sound stage. They try to make the place as safe as possible before deciding to drink and smoke themselves into oblivion as they try to ride out the zombie apocalypse.

Then they make an astonishing discovery about the particular strain of marijuana that just might keep them safe. Okay, I’m oversimplifying, but it isn’t a complex storyline. After all, this is a zombie horror-comedy.

As they all struggle to survive, tensions flare up and mistakes are definitely made. Also, there are some golden one-liners in the mix. “I would scissor you in half” is a personal favorite, but far from the only moment that tickled my funny bone.

Watch Zombie Strain on VOD now!

Michael Seabolt is the director of Zombie Strain with the screenplay written by Gregory M. Schroeder. While I can’t say I was thrilled with every choice they made, I do appreciate how they worked with the budget. Also, there are quite a few long shots (especially in the beginning) that require a lot and work remarkably well.

I’m a sucker for most horror comedies and while Zombie Strain does earn quite a few points for leaning into their low-budget situation, the overall story didn’t do much for me. Maybe if this movie had been a crisp 80-minute ride into the zombie apocalypse, I would’ve been happy. It should not be as long as it is.

Having said that, I still enjoyed moments of it far more than I expected. And definitely more than I do when watching many movies with budgets many times what they worked with. In other words, it’s not great, but it isn’t bad either. It just could’ve been better.

Zombie Strain is out In Select Theaters & on Digital on January 24, 2025.

Details

Director: Michael Seabolt
Writer: Gregory M. Schroeder
Cast: Cameron Vitosh, Chandni Shah, William Mann, India Jasiri, Emily Ashby, Alexander D. Vogt, Jim Belden, Nicole Buch

Plot

During the zombie apocalypse, survivors trapped in a sound stage make an astonishing discovery about a potent strain of marijuana. As they struggle to survive, tensions rise and mistakes occur. They begin to question who is more dangerous: the relentless undead outside or the growing mistrust among themselves. In their fight for survival, the true threat may lie within.

ITCH! is a new zombie survival horror movie featuring a small cast and a low-budget production but made with plenty of heart. And yes, you are bound to end up scratching yourself when watching this one. Read our full Itch! movie review here!

ITCH! is a horror movie featuring a zombie virus outbreak, which leads to it becoming a survival movie. As indicated by the title, feeling itchy is a huge part of this storyline. And yes, you can expect that you’ll feel an overwhelming need to scratch that itch.

I certainly wasn’t able to watch people scratching for long without feeling itchy all over. It’s like when people just mention lice and your head starts itching. Somehow, it’s contagious. Not unlike the zombie virus that causes you to scratch yourself bloody in this zombie horror movie.

Continue reading our Itch! movie review below. The movie recently premiered at the NY film festival Dances With Films.

Scratch yourself to death and then reanimate

In the world of Itch! a new virus has taken a hold on our world. Or actually, we’re experiencing it all in real-time and the outbreak of this itchy virus is fast. The virus known as “The Itch” (for obvious reasons) spreads like wildfire.

Those infected become frenzied, self-destructive versions of themselves as they itch and scratch themselves – and anyone nearby – to death.

Jay (writer and director Bari Kang) is a widower grappling with grief in a very bad way as his daughter – who hasn’t spoken since her mom passed – just needs him around. In many ways, Jay is already a shell of his own self. And now a virus threatens to take away what’s left.

With his daughter, he seeks refuge in the store he runs with his family. Unfortunately, this isn’t the sanctuary he hoped for, so before the virus can get to them, another tragedy strikes. Now, a small group of mostly strangers must band together to keep the virus out, so they can remain safe.

A gritty old-school horror itch

Itch! is made in a deliciously gritty way that feels like a heartfelt and honest tribute to horror movies of decades past. We’re talking about the 1970s especially. And this doesn’t feel like a cheap ploy, but rather a style and vibe chosen because it works for this story.

However, some appropriate nods to other classic survival and/or zombie movies are also obvious. Especially The Mist (due to the refuge in a store) and 28 Days Later via the crazy way the infected act. Mostly, George A. Romero’s iconic 1978 zombie movie Dawn of the Dead is an obvious reference.

And no, Itch! is not set in the 1970s. Itch! is in the present as seen by the use of smartphones. However, the special effects and gritty images will remind you of classic horror movies where practical effects were at the forefront.

For a zombie movie where people scratch themselves bloody, this works perfectly.

Watch ITCH! as soon as you can!

Writer-director Bari Kang, who also stars in the movie, offers a fresh yet extremely brutal take on both the classic zombie and survival horror movie. The movie enjoyed its World Premiere at Dances With Films in New York, which feels only appropriate for the story.

Also, the inspiration for this movie came from the writer-directors own experience at his family’s discount store. One featuring a wild customer acting erratic. I can easily see how that would inspire the events portrayed in this zombie horror movie.

Itch! will probably continue to screen at various film festivals, so keep your eye out for any screenings near you, to check it out. Along with Bari Kang, the movie also stars Olivia Kang, Patrick Michael Valley, Ximena Uribe Vargas, and Maria Ventura Lucas.

The movie does run a bit too long for my liking, which is why the overall rating isn’t higher. However, it’s still a movie we recommend checking out.

ITCH! premiered at Dancing With Films in New York on December 7, 2024.

Details

Writer & Director: Bari Kang
Cast: Bari Kang, Olivia Kang, Patrick Michael Valley, Ximena Uribe Vargas, Maria Ventura Lucas

Plot

Amid a mysterious deadly outbreak called the ITCH! A widower and his estranged young daughter take sanctuary in a department store, only to realize the real terror is inside with them.

APOCALYPSE Z: THE BEGINNING OF THE END on Prime Video is a new Spanish zombie horror movie (org. title: Apocalipsis Z: El principio del fin) based on a book trilogy. Read our full Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End movie review here!

APOCALYPSE Z: THE BEGINNING OF THE END is a new Spanish Zombie Movie on Prime Video (org. title: Apocalipsis Z: El principio del fin). It presents an interesting (albeit scary) world as we see the apocalypse unfold.

The movie is based on a book that has two sequels. And yes, the ending of this movie does also leave us with a very open ending. The kind that makes you hope for a sequel – maybe even two.

Continue reading our Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End movie review below. Find it on Prime Video now.

Watch as the apocalypse unfolds

Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End is about life in the middle of the zombie apocalypse unfolding. When it begins, we’re just meeting characters and seeing them live with “normal” danger and trauma.

Then a strange rabies-like disease begins to spread. And it’s spreading worldwide which leads people to think back on the recent pandemic. Supermarkets are ravaged and quarantines are put into effect.

Unfortunately, it all seems to be too late. The infected humans turn into extremely aggressive creatures in a matter of minutes.

Our main protagonist, Javier (Francisco Ortiz), has been living in his own apocalyptic hell for the past year. Even since losing his wife in an accident, he’s been depressed and isolated himself from his family.

His only companion is Lúculo, his cat, and yes, this cat will stay with him throughout the movie. Much like the cat from A Quiet Place: Day One. And that’s all you need to know about the new Prime Video Spanish zombie horror movie in advance.

Zombies are bad, humans are worse

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from zombie movies and TV series, it’s that zombies may be bad, but humans are always worse. You know that a zombie wants to kill you, but with other humans, you can never be sure of their intentions.

For Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End, this becomes a key element. Sure, some people are good. But which people can you trust and who should you shy away from?

Along with this key element, I also loved that the zombies are fast and extremely vicious. They’re in the vein of World War Z, Train to Busan, or even 28 Days Later. To me, this always presents an added horror.

Watch Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End on Prime Video now!

Carles Torrens (Pet, Feria: The Darkest Light) is the director of this new zombie horror movie. The screenplay comes from Ángel Agudo and is adapted from a book.

The adaptation is based on the successful novel by Manel Loureiro. If it’s a hit, then we have another two adaptations to look forward to as Manel Loureiro wrote an Apocalypse Z trilogy.

The two next books are “Dark Days” and “The Wrath of the Just”.

Yes, this one was too long (runtime 1 hour and 52 minutes), but not so much that I lost interest. So, I am not done with the world presented in this first movie, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more movies.

Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End premiered on Prime Video on October 31, 2024.

Details

Director: Carles Torrens
Script: Ángel Agudo
Cast: Francisco Ortiz, Jose María Yazpik, Berta Vázquez, María Salgueiro, Amalia Gómez, Marta Poveda, Iria del Río, Yuri Mikhaylychenko, Oriol Ruiz

Plot

A strange disease has spread across the planet, turning people into violent creatures. Manel, who lives in isolation after the death of his wife, will have to manage to survive in this apocalyptic scenario with his cat.

OUTSIDE on Netflix is a new Zombie Horror Drama from the Philippines but with a very universal story and much English spoken. At 2 hours and 22 minutes, it’s quite long but not too long by much. Read our full Outside movie review here and find it on Netflix!

OUTSIDE on Netflix is a new Zombie movie from the Philippines. However, if you’ve watched other movies from this country, you’ll know that a lot of English is spoken. In other words, you’ll be able to keep up just fine even without the dubbing option.

OTHER FILIPINO MOVIES ON NETFLIX

Be sure to check out Eerie (2018) which became almost infamous upon release >

With a runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes, I was afraid it would run on for far too long. And yes, I do feel that it’s longer than what would be best for the story. However, it isn’t by much thanks to the many twists in this story. Most of which evolve in ever more desperate ways.

Continue reading our Outside movie review below. Find it on Netflix from October 17, 2024.

Outrunning a zombie outbreak

In Outside, we meet a family trying to outrun a zombie outbreak by returning to the childhood home of the patriarch. The family consists of husband Francis (Sid Lucero), wife Iris (Beauty Gonzales), and their two sons, Josh (Marco Masa) and Lucas (Aiden Tyler Patdu).

The relationship between Francis and Iris is clearly strained and the impending zombie apocalypse isn’t helping matters. Especially as they don’t even seem to agree on how to react to it or where it could be safest for their little family.

While the house is big and in a remote area, Francis did not have a good childhood there. We see in flashbacks how he was mistreated by his brutal father, who punished him to turn him into a “real man”.

All Francis wants for himself and his family is a sense of normalcy. Of course, this is nearly impossible in the middle of a zombie outbreak. Unfortunately for them all, he is becoming increasingly unstable as the stress of the situation wears him out.

A universal story

I loved how the story of Outside could play out anywhere in the world. Sure, we’re in the Philippines and the weather is extremely hot. Other than that, we could just as well have been in the Midwest or rural England.

In that sense, there’s nothing that should keep you from getting completely immersed. And with this zombie horror drama, the story does pull you in and make you suffer right alongside the characters.

At times, it feels like a zombie horror drama in the vein of Handling the Undead. However, it does also pick up the pace quite a lot, as the family does get confronted with many zombies in various situations throughout the story.

A new kind of zombie in Outside

Something I loved about the zombies in Outside was that they had a new trait. Oh yeah, in this movie, the zombies can speak but only say whatever their last words were over and over again. For one, it’s simply the word “Sorry” while for another it’s “Passport please”.

It’s a small detail, but one that becomes terrifying when a new creature with black eyes approaches you, repeating their final words (or singular word) non-stop. Maybe it doesn’t sound all that intriguing, but it really is.

Especially if the person speaking to you (or at you!) is someone you knew before they turned!

Watch the zombie movie Outside on Netflix

The director of the new Netflix zombie movie is Carlo Ledesma, who also wrote the screenplay. He has stated that Outside is more than “just” a zombie film and I couldn’t agree more. He also labels it as a “terrifying psychological thriller” which I can get behind. Drama is also a key element. Then again, when isn’t drama an element in movies?

The horror breakthrough for Carlo Ledesma came more than a decade ago. In 2011, his found-footage feature film debut The Tunnel, was a hit. He even did an episode of Bite Size Halloween, so his international adventure has also begun.

Outside is his most personal project to date, and draws on his personal experiences growing up in Negros paired with the feeling of isolation during the pandemic. I recommend avoiding all spoilers for this movie to get the optimal experience, so check it out as soon as possible.

Outside is on Netflix globally from October 17, 2024.

Details

Director: Carlo Ledesma
Writers: Carlo Ledesma, Anton Santamaria
Cast: Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, Marco Masa, Aiden Tyler Patdu, Enchong Dee, Joel Torre, James Blanco, Bing Pimentel

Plot

A family retreats to an isolated farm during a zombie outbreak, but years of painful secrets take a toll as they navigate their desolate world.