DEAD

DEAD is a horror-comedy film from New Zealand released in 2020. Renowned for its distinctive blend of hilarity and spookiness, this film breathes new life into the genre, employing a unique storytelling style that is both extraordinarily humorous and chillingly suspenseful at the same time. The movie was directed by Hayden J Weal and starred Thomas Sainsbury and Tomai Ihaia in leading roles.

The plot of DEAD is intriguing and unconventional, and draws significantly from Kiwi humour and culture. Thomas Sainsbury, a familiar face in New Zealand comedy, plays Dane 'Marbles' Marbeck, a down-on-his-luck stoner who can see and speak with the dead and uses his quirky skills to send spirits to the afterlife. However, he likes to lay low and live a life of anonymity due to his unusual talent.

The story heats up when Marbles crosses paths with the ghost of Tagg, portrayed by Hayden J. Weal, a recently deceased cop who is desperate to wrap up his unfinished business. The unlikely duo forms a strange partnership. Tagg, with his law enforcement experience and determination, and Marbles, with his ability to communicate with the dead, collaborate to solve a series of mysteries tied to a menacing crime. However, they need to hurry, battling time and the city’s self-interest before the evil network wreaks havoc on their community.

With a character-driven narrative, the film centres around the uneasy camaraderie between Marbles and Tagg. Marbles represents an ordinary character seeking an uncomplicated life who is drawn into an unsettling scenario by force. His comic delivery and reactions to the ghostly situations provide an ample dose of humour. On the other hand, Tagg is a persistent character who refuses to let his untimely demise deter him from catching the bad guys. He brings a sense of justice and determination to the narrative.

Tomai Ihaia delivers a remarkable performance as Yana, a nurse who found herself entangled in the twisted plot. Serving as the voice of reason, she adds an element of humanity and sanity amidst all the ghostly madness throughout the bizarre proceedings. Her character serves as a bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead, helping Marbles and Tagg in their quest.

Culturally rooted, the film embraces New Zealand’s unique spirit, offering a distinctive sense of place with its depiction of local flavor, humour, and social dynamics. Director Hayden J. Weal successfully combines comedy with horror elements for a one-of-a-kind cinematic journey.

DEAD rises above and beyond as a refreshing addition to the horror-comedy genre, leveraging distinct New Zealand idiosyncrasies to deliver a unique cinematic experience. While the film has horror elements, it does not rely heavily on traditional scare tactics or gore. Instead, it leans into the uncanny, the absurd, and the suggestively spooky to create a sense of dread and thrill.

The film impresses with its property of carefully balanced klutz humour and genuine shtick, offering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to compensate for its momentary scary scenes. It manages to provide a comic angle to chilling moments, relying heavily on facial expressions, reactions, and situational comedy. Integrating quirky characters, bizarre situations, and witty dialogues, it offers a style of comedy that is refreshingly new.

The movie runs for about 90 minutes, with a well-paced plot that pulls you in from the very start. Every scene in the film has been crafted to maintain either the comic timing or the suspenseful aura. The scenic beauty of New Zealand serves as a beautiful background to the story, adding to its charm.

In conclusion, DEAD is an entertaining, well-crafted film that masterfully combines horror and comedy. It showcases the craftsmanship of Thomas Sainsbury, Hayden J. Weal, Tomai Ihaia who skillfully portray their respective roles, balancing the serious with the slapstick. It's an offbeat, compelling movie that boasts quirky characters, an innovative storyline, and a uniquely humorous approach to the horror-comedy genre, making it a must-watch for those looking for a distinctive cinematic experience. Whether you are a die-hard fan of horror or soft-hearted toward comedy, DEAD will definitely entertain you while keeping you on the edge of your seat.