Gummy Brains and Zany Adventures: Clive Barker’s ‘Night of the Zoopocalypse’ – A Review
A Colorful New Era in Kid-Friendly Horror
In the vibrant landscape of children’s horror, it’s an exhilarating time to be a young fan. The genre is experiencing a delightful renaissance, with an array of imaginative offerings that stretch far beyond the traditional norms. From the heart-pounding thrills of Jurassic World’s Chaos Theory to the spine-tingling chills of Five Nights at Freddy’s, kids now have access to a wider world of spooky delights. Yet, few films stand out quite like Clive Barker’s animated opus, Night of the Zoopocalypse. This film, brought to life by talented directors Rodrigo Perez-Castro and Ricardo Curtis, takes a whimsical yet thrilling spin on the zombie genre, all under the watchful eye of horror legend Clive Barker, famously known for his work on Hellraiser.
The Genesis of Night of the Zoopocalypse
Barker’s journey with Zoopocalypse began over a decade ago, initially conceived as a graphic novel titled Zoombies. The story follows a young boy trapped in a zoo during a zombie uprising, where his only chance of survival hinges on teaming up with an array of anthropomorphic animal characters. Over time, this intriguing premise evolved, shedding its darker elements for more humorous tones, leading to the playful narrative we see today.
An Unexplored Plotline with Irresistible Charm
Set within the confines of Colepepper Zoo, we meet Gracie, a spunky young timber wolf voiced by Gabbi Kosmidis. Struggling with her position in the pack, Gracie’s world shifts dramatically when a meteorite crash transforms her fellow zoo inhabitants into bizarre creatures dubbed Gummy Beasts. To add a twist, Gracie breaks free from her enclosure and stumbles into the company of Dan, a captured mountain lion (voiced by David Harbour), as they embark on a mission to rescue their friends and find a cure for the gelatinous outbreak.
Celebrating Horror with a Dash of Humor
What sets Night of the Zoopocalypse apart is its playful homage to the horror genre. Fans of classic films will spot delightful visual gags and Easter eggs—a nostalgic nod to works like Gremlins, Alien, and Critters. The whimsical transformations of the Gummy Beasts bring a humorous yet eerie flair, presenting body horror in an accessible way for a younger audience.
Visuals That Pop
Cinematically, the film relishes in its rich, atmospheric visuals. The striking neon green fog and shadowy purple lighting create a retro horror vibe that’s impossible to ignore. A hint of Giallo style here and there adds a clever exploration of aesthetics, magnified further by Dan Levy’s upbeat score that punctuates the film’s thrills and chills.
Characters That Could Use a Little More Depth
However, beneath the surface of its vibrant animation lies a critique—while the film bursts with energy and creativity, its character development leaves much to be desired. The ensemble of animals is often unlikable, their personalities overshadowed by petty bickering. The budding camaraderie between Gracie and Dan feels rushed, failing to capture the warm emotional arcs typically expected in a children’s film.
An Entertaining Yet Flawed Experience
Though the sheer visual delight and engaging animation could elevate the viewing experience, audiences might find themselves longing for richer storytelling. The screenplay, at times, teeters on the edge of cliché, offering dialogue that sounds overly simplified and mundane. While quirky characters like the film-savvy lemur Xavier and lovable pygmy hippo Poot break the monotony, they can’t quite compensate for the film’s derivative script.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, while Night of the Zoopocalypse may not be a masterpiece, it serves as an enjoyable introduction to the world of zombie films for younger audiences. It balances comedic elements with a lighthearted narrative, making it suitable for family viewing. As said, it feels like a five-star visual experience hampered by a two-star screenplay, yet even with its flaws, it succeeds in providing a colorful journey through a kid-friendly horror landscape.
Stream Night of the Zoopocalypse now on VOD and dive into a whimsical world where horror and humor collide, perfect for introducing your little ones to the charm of a zombie flick without any nightmares in sight!
