Queens Of The Dead Review: Stylish Zombie Horror Comedy Underwhelms When It Comes To Its Most Important Elements

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Following in her father George A. Romero’s footsteps – he was famous for films like Night of the Living Dead – Tina Romero directs and co-writes a zombie movie. While it doesn’t fully commit to being either a horror film or a comedy, it’s a charming movie with a talented cast, especially Katy O’Brian, and a generally positive vibe.

Director George Romero, who co-wrote the screenplay with Erin Judge, doesn’t bother explaining the origins of the zombies or how they started attacking people in New York City. That’s typical for zombie movies, though—the cause isn’t really the point. What matters is how the characters survive. The film is well-made and moves at a good pace, but the relationships between the characters could have been developed more fully.

The movie Queens of the Dead starts with a drag queen being attacked by a zombie right after a performance, inside a church. The zombies are easily recognizable by their gray skin and intense, hungry eyes. This visual detail helps them stand out and adds a unique touch to the film, which relies on its undead creatures to be memorable.

Okay, so the story centers around a few people connected to this club called Yum. There’s Dre, who’s working as a stage manager and really stressed, and Sam, a nurse who used to be a drag queen but stepped away from a big opportunity. Then you’ve got Lizzy, Sam’s coworker and Dre’s wife, and Nina West, a fantastic drag queen who’s having a really tough time. Lots of other characters pop up, but the real heart of the story – and where all the drama comes from – is the relationship between Dre and Sam, who also performs as Samoncé.

Queens Of The Dead Has Style But Its Character Development Needed Work

The film has a lot happening, but it’s difficult to truly connect with the story’s emotional core – mainly because there isn’t a strong one. If a movie could succeed purely on atmosphere, this would be it. It’s often enjoyable, but it doesn’t take itself seriously, which can be both a good and a bad thing. It’s hard to feel invested because the characters don’t face any real, significant danger. While there are zombies, the tension isn’t developed enough to create a genuine sense of threat.

Right from the start, the way the zombies behave feels distant and unrealistic. The film tries to be funny, but it overshoots the mark, losing both the fear factor and a sense of believability. It largely fails as a horror movie – there are no sudden shocks or unsettling moments. Even though it leans heavily on humor, Queen of the Dead isn’t very funny either. It often feels like the filmmakers are simply going through the motions instead of creating something truly captivating.

The characters, while somewhat fun, aren’t developed very well. The story hints at complex relationships – like Dre’s frustration with Sam and Sam’s journey of self-discovery – but doesn’t explore them fully, rushing instead from one event to the next. This creates a chaotic feeling that, unfortunately, ends up being more boring than thrilling.

The film shines with its stylish visuals and a lively, energetic cast who clearly enjoy their work. While it has some flaws, Queens of the Dead maintains momentum thanks to its sheer energy and spirited performances. If you’re looking for a fun, over-the-top zombie movie featuring drag queens, this film delivers – just be prepared to overlook some rough patches and embrace the ride.

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2025-10-24 20:38