Imagine a serene zoo suddenly plunged into chaos by a meteor-induced zombie outbreak. ‘Night of the Zoopocalypse' brings this thrilling scenario to life in a new animated feature that's capturing the attention of families and horror enthusiasts alike.
The story centers on Gracie, a young timber wolf voiced by Gabbi Kosmidis, who feels confined by the monotony of zoo life. Her world is turned upside down when a meteor crashes into the zoo, releasing a virus that transforms animals into zombie-like mutants. Gracie bands together with a diverse group of survivors, including the gruff mountain lion Dan (voiced by David Harbour), the sarcastic ostrich Ash (Scott Thompson), and the adorable baby pygmy hippo Poot (Christina Nova), to combat the spreading infection and restore peace to their home.
Based on a concept by renowned horror author Clive Barker, ‘Night of the Zoopocalypse' is co-directed by Ricardo Curtis and Rodrigo Perez-Castro. The film's unique aesthetic blends vibrant colors with eerie atmospheres, creating a visually engaging experience that balances humor and horror. The animation, handled by L'Atelier Animation, effectively uses lighting and shadows to enhance the film's spooky yet family-friendly tone.
The film has garnered mixed reviews. Some critics praise its originality and ability to introduce younger audiences to the horror genre. Bounding Into Comics describes it as “a frightfully crowd-pleasing safari full of whimsical buffoonery.” Conversely, Roger Ebert's review points out that while the chase scenes are well-designed, the overall look of the film is lackluster, with thinly imagined characters and obscure dialogue for a children's movie. Rotten Tomatoes highlights it as a great “beginner horror movie” that appeals to both kids and adults.
Voice Cast:
- Gracie: Gabbi Kosmidis
- Dan: David Harbour
- Ash: Scott Thompson
- Felix: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee
- Xavier: Pierre Simpson
- Frida: Heather Loreto
- Poot: Christina Nova
‘Night of the Zoopocalypse' premiered at the 57th Sitges Film Festival on October 7, 2024, and is set for a wide release in the United States and Canada on March 7, 2025.
For a glimpse into this animated adventure, watch the official trailer below:
‘Night of the Zoopocalypse' offers a fresh take on the animated family film by intertwining elements of horror and comedy. While some critics note shortcomings in character development and dialogue, the film's inventive premise and visual style provide an entertaining experience for both children and adults. It's a commendable effort to introduce younger audiences to the horror genre in a lighthearted and accessible manner.
Do you think ‘Night of the Zoopocalypse' successfully balances horror and comedy for a family audience? Why or why not?
