Time: 101 Minutes
Cast:
Katy O’Brian as Dre
Jaquel Spivey as Sam
Riki Lindhome as Lizzy
Jack Haven as Kelsey
Cheyenne Jackson as Jimmy
Director: Tina Romero

I was interested in Queens of the Dead: a zombie movie with queer stars including Katy O’Brian and Jack Haven and directed by Tina Romero, George Romero’s daughter. I had a lot of fun with it

It has a bit of a rocky start but really gets going when the zombies enter the main plot.  It is decently paced, funny throughout and enjoyably campy, and it’s very queer and celebrates queerness. It also contains the political and social commentary that you would expect from a George Romero zombie movie. At the same time, Tina gives this movie its own distinct flavour and style. It doesn’t take itself too seriously which does make it enjoyable and an easy watch. However, it means the movie doesn’t have much of an urgency to it (no matter how many zombies show up), and the attempts at emotion aren’t as effective or impactful as perhaps they were aiming for.

The movie benefits from a very enjoyable and likable cast including Katy O’Brian, Jack Haven, Ricki Lindhome, Margaret Cho, Cheyanne Jackson, Nina West, and Jaquel Spivey, who bounce off each other really well. Particularly, O’Brian is great in the lead role and Haven is very funny.

Tina Romero’s stylish direction adds a lot. There are some nice bright and colourful visuals and decent (if low budget) practical effects and makeup.

Queens of the Dead is a campy, creative, funny and consistently entertaining zombie comedy with an enjoyable cast.