‘ZombieCON Vol.1’ VOD Review
Stars: Manny Luke, Erin Áine, Punkie Johnson, Hendrix Deveroux, Christian Casillas, Carlo Mendez, Nichole McAuley, Anna Valencia, Leighton B. Allen, Scott Anthony Simmons | Written by Kyle Valle, Manny Luke, Erin Áine | Directed by Kyle Valle
Once in a while, an indie horror-comedy comes along that’s so packed with personality, you can almost hear the crew laughing between takes. ZombieCON Vol. 1 is that kind of film. It’s a scrappy, affectionate, gloriously chaotic tribute to the weirdos, the die-hards, and anyone who’s ever felt more at home in a costume than in regular clothes.
The premise is fairly straightforward: a group of friends at a comic convention unintentionally set off a zombie outbreak. But it’s in the execution where director Kyle Valle has fun. He leans hard into convention culture, complete with cosplay drama, fan rivalries, and genre in-jokes. The zombies here aren’t just flesh-hungry monsters; they’re poetic justice on two legs. The more awful the person, the faster they go full undead. Honestly, that’s a concept more horror films should explore.
At the heart of the story is a band of underdogs – con-goers who are awkward in the real world but unexpectedly well-equipped to handle a zombie apocalypse. Co-writers and actors Manny Luke, Erin Áine, and the rest of the cast dive in with total commitment, bringing warmth and camaraderie that grounds the madness. Even when the jokes get broad or the blood flies a little too freely, their chemistry keeps the film emotionally centred.
It’s clear this is a low-budget project, and it wears that proudly. There are some uneven edits, the occasional audio hiccup, and effects that clearly come from a DIY spirit. However, that rawness becomes part of the charm. Think early Sam Raimi or Peter Jackson – not in terms of polish, but in spirit. There’s an infectious energy to the whole thing that’s impossible to fake.
One of the film’s strongest choices is how it embraces fan culture without irony. There’s no mocking tone, no winking at the audience. Instead, it honours the people who find joy in wigs, foam armour, and obscure references. ZombieCON treats fandom not just as a hobby, but as a lifeline. It’s a place where people find their tribe and discover their strength.
And beneath the slapstick gore and over-the-top setups, there’s a sincere message about identity, acceptance, and rising above the noise. Not everyone gets you, and some will be cruel about it, but that doesn’t mean you need to change.
Is it a flawless film? Definitely not. But it’s the kind of imperfect, high-energy, heartfelt ride that feels made by and for the people it represents. It’s easy to imagine ZombieCON Vol. 1 gaining traction on the late-night circuit, passed around at conventions, or screened at sleepovers between friends in full costume. It has that kind of cult potential.
At its best, it’s not just a zombie comedy. It’s a celebration of weirdness, resilience, and community. And frankly, that’s something we could use a lot more of.
**** 4/5
ZombieCON Vol.1 is available on digital platforms now.
