So, while it’s not as successful a horror film as Shaun of the Dead, for a zom-rom-com Life After Beth manages to make itself distinct. It isn’t trying to scare you, and so zombie purists should note that it isn’t a classic zombie film in that respect. Instead, it does have some great comedic moments, especially regarding American suburbia, and some genuinely effective pathos. Finding empathy and friendliness with Beth’s parents (John C. Reilly and Mollie Shannon) that he doesn’t have at home, Zach starts to open up, only for things to be complicated when he glimpses Beth (Aubrey Plaza) alive and well, and uses this miracle as an opportunity to tell her all the things he wished he’d said before. From this initial happiness, things start going downhill. There’s a suspicion that writer/director Jeff Baena has decided to go for the Looper approach, and has a detailed explanation for the undead in his head, or in a Bible, but has elected not to put that on screen. This is magical realism, not a Christopher Nolan style grounded take, and exposition is suggested rather than explicitly confirmed. The zombies still retain their personality for a while, and can talk, chiefly because this is a film about relationships rather than the apocalypse. It’s an impressive cast (Anna Kendrick turns up as the friend of Zach’s Mum’s daughter, awkwardness ensuing as a result of the maternal conspiracy), one that will hopefully help the film find a wider audience than your standard thoughtful, low-budget zombie movie. The parents also have an amusing subplot that ties into the greater ‘be careful what you wish for’ theme, as the movie makes the most of its suburban setting and the idea that respectable people might be keeping secrets behind closed doors. Life After Beth is richer in themes and underlying observations than it is in comedy, but it’s still a funny movie. It can slip effortlessly from tear-jerking to undignified physical comedy in a matter of seconds. There’s a subtle darkness to it, so even if it’s only mildly gory it still has moments of discomfort. Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
