Certainly one of George A. Romero’s signature statements noticed zombies stumbling by means of a mall in “Daybreak of the Useless.”
That 1978 traditional let him satirize consumerism with out saying a phrase. These brainless ghouls have been identical to us, mindlessly going by means of the motions to maintain our capitalistic system afloat.
Agree? Disagree? Romero let viewers determine.
Daughter Tina Romero, all develop up and a filmmaker in her personal proper, gives extra on-the-nose commentary with “Queens of the Useless.”
Rather more.
The horror-comedy pays homage to Daddy’s zombie movies in addition to his penchant for social commentary.
The shocks can’t match what her father assembled over his iconic profession, however she’s made the funniest undead romp since 2009’s “Zombieland.” And, sure, she’s as progressive as Pappy. Much more so, judging by “Queens.”
The raggedy story follows Dre (Katy O’Brian, “Love Lies Bleeding“), a drag queen membership proprietor attempting to assemble a present for the night. There’s loads of drama behind the scenes, and she or he’s juggling fragile egos, damage emotions and even stage fright.
Among the many colourful characters in play? A male nurse named Sam (Jaquel Spivey, 2024’s “Imply Women”), who as soon as carried out at Dre’s membership however retired his character for classy causes.
Dre’s brother-in-law Barry (Quincy Dunn-Baker) represents old-school masculinity, however the movie is surprisingly gracious towards him.
The present should go on, however what occurs when a zombie outbreak will get in the best way?
The movie opens in, of all locations, a church, the place a drag queen drops by in a respectful trend. It doesn’t finish nicely, alas, and the zombie march begins.
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Romero, who co-wrote the screenplay with Erin Decide, packs as a lot LGBTQ+ illustration in as humanly potential. The dialogue echoes that sentiment, with quick lectures on pronouns alongside the best way.
It ought to really feel exhausting, however Romero’s breezy fashion helps. So does the movie’s humor. It’s often laugh-out-loud humorous and infrequently feels offended or resentful.
Too unhealthy Romero lacks her father’s knack for signature kills. That is probably not the purpose, although, since this “Useless” characteristic cares way more about constructing a dysfunctional however loving household vibe than scaring us foolish.
She principally succeeds, even when a mid-film look by Margaret Cho spoils a few of the enjoyable. Her surly character appears like a strolling, speaking tonal change, as Cho’s activist persona bleeds into the efficiency.
Official poster for Tina Romero’s QUEENS OF THE DEAD, which claws into theaters October 24.
“A zombie apocalypse breaks out in Brooklyn on the evening of a large warehouse get together, the place an eclectic group of drag queens, membership youngsters, and frenemies should combat to outlive.” pic.twitter.com/CohcqfHuWg
— Bloody Disgusting (@BDisgusting) September 3, 2025
George A. Romero proved masterful at horrifying audiences. He additionally flexed his hippie bona fides with a sure, dare we are saying, class. Think about the black hero’s destiny in 1968’s “Evening of the Dwelling Useless,” for instance, a sly commentary on the period’s race relations.
Tina Romero has no such urge for food for subtlety. She’s extra excited by celebrating alteranate life whereas honoring her father’s legacy. She does it greater than as soon as within the movie, together with Pittsburgh make-up legend Tom Savini getting a goofy cameo.
“Queens” may shed a great 10 minutes to spice up the story’s brisk nature. Among the emotional beats land not with a thud however nonetheless really feel perfunctory, even by horror film requirements. She does shrewdly discover imaginative methods to fuse drag visuals with the undead.
Her Daddy can be pleased with how she makes use of good telephones to make a bigger, cultural level. These zombies won’t be shuffling by means of a crowded mall, however some strut down the road staring absently at their telephones.
It’s doomscrolling on steroids.
“Queens” isn’t good, however this second is a flawless tribute to her father and his pioneering work in horror.
The Pittsburgh Transferring PIcture Pageant screening got here earlier than the movie’s Oct. 24 launch date.
HiT or Miss: “Queens of the Useless” finds Tina Romero strolling in Daddy’s horror footsteps, with an additional dose of progressive commentary.