Anna and the Apocalypse

Anna and the Apocalypse is a captivating British horror comedy musical film released in 2017. The film was directed by proficient filmmaker John McPhail and was based on a script penned by Alan McDonald and Ryan McHenry. This unique and unconventional movie brings together the seemingly disparate genres of horror, comedy, and musical, creating a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that keeps audiences on their toes.

The movie features a stunning line-up of talented actors including Ella Hunt, Malcolm Cumming and Sarah Swire. Hunt leads the cast as Anna, an average high school student trying to navigate the troubled waters of teenage life, who suddenly finds herself attempting to survive a much bigger crisis. Hunt's bright-eyed optimism and singing voice adds a unique dimension to the macabre atmosphere of the movie.

The narrative unfolds in the small, nondescript real-world Scottish town of Little Haven. It's the eve of Christmas, a typically joyous and festive time of year that is quickly turned on its head. Anna and her friends must band together to fight for their survival. Malcolm Cumming plays Anna's lovelorn best friend John, while Sarah Swire acts as the dispirited American transfer student, Steph.

The story travels from a mundane high school where Anna and her circle of friends are treading through the trials of teenage life, conflict, romance, and dreams of the future – until their world is interrupted by a terrifying, yet somewhat comical, zombie apocalypse. Against an army of the undead, the group of friends is forced to battle not only for their lives but for the survival of their town and the world they thought they knew.

What sets Anna and the Apocalypse apart from other horror comedy films is its unique blend of song-and-dance numbers. The characters manage to break into choreographed song routines amidst all the chaos, furthering the plot and bringing a delightful dose of comedy to otherwise terrifying circumstances. As bleak as the impending apocalypse is, the characters' perky musical numbers add levity, creating an interesting juxtaposition that works delightfully well.

Anna and the Apocalypse is filled with bright, charming tunes composed by Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly that add a fresh twist to the gory horror scenes. The film somehow manages to tactfully blend violence with peppy tunes without downplaying the graveness of the situation. The songs are not just there for fun, but cleverly drive the narrative forward, adding depth to character relationships and drawing a vivid picture of the town's transformation.

While the central theme is survival, the film also explores themes like friendship, love, sacrifice and growing up. Each character grapples with their own set of worries, hopes and dreams, and the apocalypse seems to serve as a metaphor for their personal crises, making the characters and their struggles relatable and endearing.

The film was shelved for a couple of years before its release, after the sad passing of its co-writer Ryan McHenry. Despite this, upon release, it gratefully received by critics and audiences alike. Anna and the Apocalypse is a refreshing and innovative take on both horror and musical genres and quickly became a cult classic in its own right.

To wrap up, Anna and the Apocalypse is a unique cross-genre film, a zombie apocalypse musical that strikes a balance between horror, comedy, and drama. It brings an unusual and thrilling blend of genres, showcasing a dynamic range of performances from its young cast. The film utilises music alongside the fright and laugh elements to tell a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and survival against all odds. It's a must-watch for audiences seeking something different from the predatory monotony of typical horror films or the predictability of classic musicals. It might just end up being your favourite Christmas horror movie musical!