Bob Clark's pre-"A Christmas Story" horror romp is a wonderfully twisted slice of '70s indie horror that deserves way more love than it gets. Alan Ormsby (who also wrote the script) is brilliantly detestable as Alan, the theatrical director whose arrogance and grave-robbing antics kick off a zombie apocalypse on a remote island. His smug, scene-chewing performance makes you actively root for the undead.
The ensemble cast, including Valerie Mamches, Jeff Gillen, and Anya Ormsby, nail the campy, theatrical vibe—they're a troupe of actors who feel genuinely exhausted by their director's ego, which adds surprising depth to the chaos. When the zombies finally show up, the slow-burn dread pays off beautifully.
Sure, the budget was clearly made of pocket lint and good vibes, but that's part of its grimy charm. It's smart, darkly funny, and genuinely creepy when it wants to be. A must-watch for fans of early '70s horror weirdness.
Rating: 4/5 severed hands
