Trizombie (FANTASTIC) Infects with Horror, Heart, and Humor

Title: Trizombie

First Non-Festival Release: February 12, 2024 (Digital/Streaming Platforms)

Director: Bob Colaers

Writer: Lars Damoiseaux, Lectrr

Runtime: 82 Minutes

Starring: Jelle Palmaerts, Jason Van Laere, Gitte Wens, Tineke Van Haute, Charlotte van den Bergh

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

This film’s review was written after its screening at the Fantastic Film Festival in 2024.

While a virus rages across the continent turning everyone without Down Syndrome into zombies, residents of a care home discover their immunity to the disease. Realizing the danger, they set off to rescue one of their own who had recently moved into assisted living just outside the city. Along the way, they learn to make sense of this new world and fight back against the hordes of the infected.

Full of heart and humor, Trizombie is an enjoyable twist on the zombie subgenre.

The stakes are high with the ragtag group of friends deciding to come to the aid of one of their own. Borrowing from other similarly themed zombie films, Trizombie frames its story in the form of a rescue mission while asking what is next for its characters if they achieve this goal. Without easy access to the tools that most people would utilize in a similar situation, the group navigates this new life by using clever work arounds and general persistence to achieve their goals. Infighting is kept to a minimum, allowing the drama to come naturally from the situation at hand.

An important distinction has to be made that the humor from Trizombie doesn’t come from mean-spirited intentions but from the situation itself and their character dynamics, which makes it all the more enjoyable. From makeshift weapons to escape plans, the power of these characters come from their resourcefulness to adapt to an environment that is hostile to them. This, however, was already true before the apocalypse. Trizombie argues that these zombie killers are uniquely adept at adapting to difficult environments because of the way society is built without them in mind. The apocalypse is just another iteration of these barriers. Without veering into exceptionalism, Trizombie gives agency to its characters and doesn’t hand hold the audience either.

All of the actors, save for one, are all members of Belgium’s Theater Stap, an acting troupe comprised entirely of mentally disabled performers. By eliminating everyone without Trisomy-21 as an ally, Trizombie allows its protagonists to develop together and showcase their strengths and talents. There’s no white knight or neurotypical savior coming in from the wings to save these survivors. They’re saving themselves and experiencing the full range of human emotions while doing it. The ensemble does a solid job selling their fear and hope throughout their journey. With clear motivations and genuine character development, the characters of Trizombie come to life.

Although its story is touching and the humor is well-done, the pacing makes the film’s journey drawn out. Learning that Trizombie was originally created as a tv mini-series before being expanded into a feature film makes sense with the way it plays out. Featuring a few more scenes than the original television cut, Trizombie moves slower as a result of the added weight. This also takes away from the terror of the situation. While immune to the infection, the group is still vulnerable to the ferocity of the zombies. The energy of Trizombie never quite matches that reality, with much of the movement feeling relaxed amidst the chaos.

Despite its heartfelt sentiments, Trizombie still has plenty of bite. Gorehounds will enjoy quite a few moments of well-executed practical effects that feel unexpected against its softer elements. Utilizing some truly inspired set pieces, Trizombie takes audiences by surprise with its fun approach to zombie slaying. Art installations, heavy machinery, and sledgehammers are among the perpetrators of this twisted vengeance against the undead. Balancing the humor of the film with enough foundation in reality, Trizombie earns its zombie credibility easily through its depiction of carnage. 

Embracing all the elements that make a zombie film enjoyable, Trizombie commits to twisting the genre conventions enough to stand on its own. Its lovable cast and thoughtful approach to the zombie apocalypse broadens horizons for moviegoers with a deficit mindset. A few choice moments of wicked gore and plenty of gut busting laughs make this rescue mission worth risking. Trizombie isn’t available in the United States yet, but hopefully the wait isn’t long to celebrate this troupe of zombie fighting heroes.

Overall Score? 6/10