PussyCake (CFF) Proves that Zombie Films Can Still Rock

Originally published June 28, 2022

Title: Pussycake

First Non-Festival Release: December 11, 2021 (Theatrical Release)

Director: Pablo Parés

Writer: Maxi Ferzzola, Hernán Moyano, Pablo Parés

Runtime: 82 Minutes

Starring: Maca Suarez, Aldana Ruberto, Sofía Rossi

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

This film’s review was written after its screening at the Chattanooga Film Festival in 2022.

Pussycake follows the mishaps of an all-girl rock band of the same name. Bandmates Elle Cake (Maca Suarez), Sara Cake (Aldana Ruberto), Juli Cake (Sofía Rossi), and Sofi Cake (Anahí Politi) finish up a gig only to head to another one set up by band manager Pato (Flor Moreno). While on the road, their van mysteriously breaks down and they must walk through the night to get to their next show. When they arrive the next morning, the town is desolate, and their contact is nowhere to be found. They decide to split to find more information, stumbling into the realization that something terrible has happened in this town and now they have to work together to survive.

Injecting life into the tired zombie subgenre, PussyCake is a fun Argentinian romp guaranteed to make you go wild.

Just when it seems like the zombie subgenre has been done to death, a film comes along to shake things up and subvert expectations on the story. PussyCake, the Argentinian alien zombie multiverse movie, is exactly that film. When the members of PussyCake stumble into the apocalypse ravaged town, they are confused at what exactly is happening. Thankfully, the audience experiences that same feeling of uncertainty, as the infected townsfolk act in ways that diverge from traditional zombie lore.

Shambling and sprinting, these unpredictable creatures are driven mad after infection and make it their mission to spread their ailment to everyone in town, annihilating anyone who tries to stop them. Instead of sustenance, they care only about reproduction which seems to take place when they vomit gallons of milky white fluid into their victims’ mouths. This is only the beginning of the subversion, as their origin and initial infection are drastically different from most films. It is one of the many things that makes this film special and entertaining as hell.

While each character has their own personalities, Elle takes center stage as the one dealing with the demons that follow an abusive relationship. Thankfully she has Sara who stands by her side and vows to always protect her. This relationship is tested and strained throughout the film, as the women stick together to survive the impossible.

Curiously, the most interesting character is one who never speaks. A large creature that the women run into at the vacant home, the one where this all originated from, drives the latter half of the film. Acting almost as a hunter does, this creature is unconcerned with the women and more with stopping the infection spreading through the town. Explanations are never given why, but one can only assume and spin theories. If a sequel were to ever transpire, this would be an excellent jumping off point. This also speaks to the merit of the film. The filmmakers show just enough to incite curiosity without getting trapped in the weeds of over explaining.

For a schlocky B-movie, it is incredible how good everything looks here. From monsters to zombies to interdimensional portals, everything looks sharp and sophisticated. It helps ground the film in reality without sacrificing any of the light moments of comedy interspersed throughout the film. Perfectly paced, it is entertaining without losing heart or scares. Likely the biggest disappointment is the lack of utilizing of the titular band’s discography. Obviously, it would be quite the mountain to climb, but their introduction song is too good to merit no future entries in the film. This is more of a missed opportunity than actual flaw.

After truthfully not expecting much going into it, PussyCake delivers on its inventive premise in ways that are seldom seen in the world of zombies. Featuring a cast of capable actors and endearing characters, PussyCake works to get you to care about their fate and root for them. It doesn’t hurt that the production values are strong for such an indie venture and its special effects are crazy good. Go into it with the expectation that it is a fun popcorn film, and you will be sufficiently satisfied. PussyCake rocks and hopefully it gets the roll out it deserves in the States.

Overall Score? 7/10