Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Directed by: Edgar Wright | 99 minutes | action, horror, comedy, romance | Actors: Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Nick Frost, Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, Nicola Cunningham, Peter Serafinowicz, Bill Nighy, Keir Mills, Matt Jaynes, Gavin Ferguson, Horton Jupiter, Tim Baggaley, Arvind Doshi, Rafe Spall, Sonnell Dadral

Lead actor and co-writer Simon Pegg hasn’t put himself in the most heroic role as Shaun. At least not in the first half hour of the film. Shaun is arguably the biggest screen loser this century. But perhaps that is because it is so commonplace and has recognizable traits for many. Anyone who doesn’t see that suffers from denial symptoms.

The mundaneness has of course been drawn to the absurd, but not so much. That’s why it even seems credible that it takes a long time for Shaun and friend Ed (Nick Frost) to realize that London is slowly filling up with zombies. The moment the penny drops, the response is just as realistic: throw everything that comes to hand, as long as it isn’t too expensive.

The two decide to seek refuge in the place where they can be found most, namely their favorite pub. But not before Shaun saves his girlfriend and mother. It doesn’t matter to him that his girlfriend had broken up with him the day before. This is his chance to prove himself to Liz (Kate Ashfield). And apparently he was ready for that, because splitting the skulls of the undead is surprisingly easy for him.

‘Shaun of the Dead’ is primarily a romantic comedy with some gruesome horror elements here and there. You don’t expect that from a movie about zombies, but that is precisely the strength of the film. You don’t expect so much. The combination of everyday matters mixed with impossible events ensures that. The humor is quintessentially British and if you’re into that this is totally your movie because it’s full of it. From subtle to right in your face. And the same goes for the special effects. If you think this is cheaply made horror, I’d like to refer to a scene in the pub where it becomes clear that one of the writers (director Edgar Wright or lead actor Simon Pegg) has quite a few issues. This proves that the best humor comes from the sickest minds. A must for lovers of black humor.