Anna and the Apocalypse released November 30 in theatres and cinemas throughout the US and UK for a limited time. It’s Directed by John MacPhail, written by Alan Mcdonald and Ryan McHenry and is based on the short Zombie Musical by Ryan McHenry.
The story centers around high schoolers who are thrown into a Zombie apocalypse overnight, but there is a twist. The cast also sing during the apocalypse.
On paper, a Christmas movie about Zombies and singing doesn’t sound like it would work. However, Anna and the Apocalypse proves otherwise. The music advances the plot and the setting of Christmas brings hilarious, and emotional, results.
The story itself is a heartwarming tale about friendship and moving on. It may seem like a typical coming of age story, but there is nothing typical about this tour de force. Anna Shephard (Ella Hunt) lives with her father (Mark Benton) and longs to break away from the world around her. Sadly for Anna, that isn’t the plan in store for her.
Anna is joined by her best friend John (Malcolm Cumming), intrepid School reporter Steph (Sarah Swire) and hopeful Filmmaker Chris (Christopher Leveaux). Their mission is to reach apparent safety at their High School. Unfortunately for them Zombies and former lovers await around the corner.
The music by Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly will make you want to sing along and tap your feet. Turning My Life Around will have you laughing out loud as Anna dances through the streets, oblivious to the carnage around her. It’s a song that sums up the movie: it’s over-the-top, and it’s comical but it’s also bloody (no pun intended) enjoyable!
It’s That Time of Year is another song that brings loud laughter, spoofing the sultry Christmas songs like Santa Baby. Lisa (Marli Siu) sings the song and is a character who strengthens the heart of the story with thanks to her relationship with Chris’s Grandmother. Her performance will tug at your heartstrings!
Hollywood Ending is the anthem for anybody who has an unrequited love. Setting it in the High School also serves to push forward the narrative of the coming of age and finding your place in the world. The song also glimpses the other side of the coin with Lisa and Chris singing about their love for one another, showing the naivety of teenagers.
As for the other songs, I recommend checking out the soundtrack as they are all brilliant in their own right. They will force you to crank up the volume and take part in your own Carpool Karaoke!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xAk8h4z4lA
While this is one of the first big projects for a number of the cast it isn’t noticeable as they are comfortable in front of the camera. Even when sharing the screen with veterans such as Mark Benton and Paul Kaye (who gives a laughter inducing-fist shaking portrayal as Mr. Savage) the young adults rise to the occasion. There isn’t a single actor or character who feels out of place in this fantastical masterpiece.
These are stars in the making.
It’s refreshing to watch a movie (and musical) about High Schoolers where the characters actually look the right age.
Keep an eye out for some incredible one-liners and references to which celebrities would survive the apocalypse.
Anna and the Apocalypse’s charm, heart, and humor will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s a must-see movie that will make you feel good and tap your feet.
