“Do you want anything from the shop? Cornetto.” - Shaun of the Dead
Comedy and horror together is like french fries and a chocolate shake; it shouldn’t work but not only do they go together, they are fantastic when combined. The extremes of a bloody horror movie and the audacity of a raunchy comedy coming together is like a match made in hell. Some of the best to do it are usually highly self-aware, often making fun of horror tropes that out of context sound absolutely absurd. Shaun of the Dead is one of the best to ever do it.
Written and directed by Edgar Wright, it is the beginning of a brilliant trilogy lovingly parodying horror, action and science fiction. With Shaun and horror it is a parody but also a love letter of sorts to zombie films from the 70s and more specifically George Romero’s Dead trilogy. Of course in front of the camera so much of the genius comes from the comedy prowess of real-life friends Simon Pegg and Nick Frost who star in all three films known as the Cornetto Trilogy. What keeps the trilogy fresh from one film to the next is the foresight they had to make each film stand on its own rather than worrying too much about stylistic choices that coalesce between the three of them. It makes the tendrils connecting them even funnier and more clever when you notice what is either a subtle nod to the other films or a purposely heavy handed callback.
In Shaun of the Dead we meet our derelict heroes absolutely unprepared to conquer the day. And this is usually on any normal day too. Of course this day is anything but typical. Shaun lives with his freeloading best friend Ed and their anally retentive third flatmate, Pete. Shaun works at an electronics store and Pete is a businessman. Ed… well he just sits in his own filth farting and throwing out condescending dialogue usually in Pete’s direction. It works somehow. Well with the exception that Pete hates Ed with a fervor. But that bothers Ed very little.
On this day however, in a habitual cloud of grogginess and a well earned hangover, Shaun slowly begins to notice things aren’t quite right in the world. Using the two brain cells shared between them, Shaun and Ed eventually learn of the nationwide zombie apocalypse currently spreading across London. In a half drunken stupor they concoct a slapdash plan to “rescue” their loved ones, and for reasons they don’t bother considering, and congregate in their favorite pub thinking it will be their ultimate safe haven. If they can also get drunk and eat bar snacks that’s just a happy bonus. It’s here, at the Winchester, where they will make their final stand. But as we’ve established, it was Shaun and Ed’s idea. It’s not going to end well.
Yes Shaun of the Dead is funny but it’s intelligently humorous making its longevity all the more sustainable. It’s quick witted, briskly edited and fully self-aware. The chemistry of Nick Frost and Simon Pegg lies at the heart of the film. While their relationship is mostly comically delivered, they have moments of genuine authenticity and warmth making their fates actually mean something. Even in a silly comedy the characters matter and their actions have irreparable consequences.
A tool in Wright’s kit, the fast editing, is now a staple across his wonderfully refreshing body of work. It’s fast but always deliberate and always calculated. In the case of Shaun of the Dead it heightens the levity and absurdity of a zombie takeover that to the residents of London seems more aggravating inconvenience rather than world altering, historically significant moment in human history. There’s also a great attention to cinematography as the camera is used to keep us in on the joke while it may sometimes just be passing on by Shaun and Ed. It’s used as a callback to emphasize early on in the story the differences between a normal day in this London suburb and when the zombies begin to move in like unwanted house guests. The single take of Shaun first heading to the local convenience store and returning to it the next day as things begin to go awry is a brilliantly simple but ingenious way to establish so much in such a small amount of time.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of its release in theaters across the world. It is a simple but memorable storyline with hilariously likable characters. The performances are so uniquely Pegg and Frost who deliver the most deadpan, fully committed characters in a way only they could. Its unique blending of genres allows for many double meanings, hidden easter eggs and unexpected moments of genuine drama and legitimate horror. While it is very much making fun of the horror genre, it is never with the intention of belittling it but rather roasting it in a cordial way that includes everyone in on the joke. Shaun of the Dead is a brilliant horror comedy. In fact I would argue it is a prime example of what it means to parody without losing the core of what makes the genre so beloved. There’s a reason twenty years later we are not only still talking about it but celebrating the occasion with its return to theaters. If you’ve never seen it, there’s no better time than now to remedy it.
Rated R For: zombie violence/gore and language
Runtime: 99 minutes
After Credits Scene: No
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
Directed By: Edgar Wright
Out of 10
Story:9/ Acting: 9/ Directing: 10/ Visuals: 9
OVERALL: 9.5/10
Buy to Own: Yes. It’s currently back in theaters and streaming on Peacock.
Check out the trailer below:
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