31 More Days of Horror: BONUS: American Zombie (2007)

Fair and balanced coverage is what you’ll find here in American Zombie. Documentary filmmaker Grace Lee and guerilla filmmaker John Soloman team up for ‘a day in the life’ of local zombies in L.A. Through the film we learn {among other things} that there are three levels of zombies: feral, low and high functioning.

Rotting flesh aside, the undead showcased here are not much different from you and me. They have hopes and dreams. Joel, founder of ZAG (Zombie Advocacy Group) fights for equal rights. Ivan is an aspiring writer and convenience store clerk. Judy is a vegan looking for true love with a human and Lisa, an artist, using holistic fusion therapy to combat her desire for her own funeral.

Introducing their viewership to a unique subculture, examining their sub-human existence, cultivating sympathy and respect for our undead populace, the filmmakers—one compassionate soul, the other a sensationalist—balance each other’s agenda to create solid propaganda.

American Zombie suffers from a love-hate complex. The filmmakers try to do too much and ultimately, they don't know where to go with the film. It's slow to build its agenda and is too quick to end. But still, it is worth a look. Humans will look upon with disgust. The undead will be please there story is finally told in an approachable manner. The film culminates at the zombie festival Live Dead—a three day celebration of revenant living. Grace and John are the only known living invitees.

This documentary is a must see for anyone seeking common ground between the living and the dead. Embrace your fellow zombie—just not too closely.