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| Source: IMDB |
Edgar Wright has always been one of the more prolific directors who’s struggled to find mainstream appeal. His “anything goes” pre-Y2K approach makes him ambient and noteworthy. His 2000s zombie comedy, Shaun of the Dead, is one of the more likable films in the genre, as being haplessly aware makes it more emotional than expected while also providing fashionable comedy and visual effects.
Simon Pegg’s Shawn, as the title suggests, is the main driver of the film as an unimaginable event catapults his mind from being aimlessly oblivious to realizing his self-worth and redefining the relationships he has with his loved ones. Therefore, it makes for a relatable and sympathizable emotional arc.
It’s quite easy to tell the amount of European influence in this when it comes to basically every comedic moment. From haggling reservations to false premonitions, there’s not a line in this script that feels out of line or unaware of itself. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright knew exactly what they were doing by fitting together a satirical take on British chaps, pub life, and male stereotypes in general.
For a zombie film that’s entirely focused on presenting comedy, the visuals don’t look half bad. The titular beings are basic, but convincing enough to be taken seriously. A stand-out sequence has to be when Shawn and Ed’s big realization after one reawakens from a hole in their stomach. You can tell that it’s not entirely polished and matches the shock of the pair’s reactions.
Edgar Wright’s direction is monumental in making the unordinary seem grounded. Quick, tempic edits and fast-paced mundaneness assert his style as fleeting and awry and make seemingly ordinary people stand out within a crowd. It particularly helps in making the zombies appear psychologically menacing instead of physically haunting. He’s always had a particular style in his films, so it’s nice to see an early example of it.
Overall, Shaun of the Dead may not be a haunting or revolutionary zombie film that does anything new in the genre, but it makes for a bloody good time nonetheless. Nothing like the good ol’ Winchester!
My Rating: 7/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
Where to Watch: VoD platforms, Peacock (as of September 2024)
A UNIVERSAL PICTURES RELEASE
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