My Fair Zombie

My Fair Zombie, released in 2013, offers a unique and unconventional spin to both the musical and horror genres. The film is directed by mastermind Brett Kelly and stars Sacha Gabriel, Lawrence Evenchick, and Barry Caiger. With a brilliant integration of horror, comedy, and romantic undertones, My Fair Zombie forms an intriguing blend of Victoriana and Zombieland, projecting an eerie visual feast whilst also capturing the essence of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion and more colourfully, My Fair Lady, from which the film borrows its amusing and whimsical title.

Set in an alternative and dark version of the early 20th century London, the film spirals out into a zombie apocalypse. The city is overridden with the undead, serving as a compelling stage for this distinctive drama to unfold. What sets apart My Fair Zombie from other typical zombie tales is its captivating premise which imparts a certain retro feel.

Sacha Gabriel plays Eliza, a zombie with a twist. Looking devoid of life with all the typical zombie attributes - grayish skin, unfocused gaze, and a voracious hunger for human brains - she seems like any zombie you've encountered in a horror flick. However, Eliza is no common zombie, she combines her love for brains with an involuntary affinity with music, which is where the character's true charm lies.

Lawrence Evenchick plays Professor Higgins, a phonetics professor with an eccentric attitude. His intellectual ego is boosted by the thrill he finds in challenges and Eliza, presents him with the ultimate one. Known for his expertise in accents, he embarks on an ambitious challenge to train Eliza to pass off as a lady in the high society, despite her distinct disadvantage of being undead.

Barry Caiger plays Colonel Pickering, the good-hearted, wealthy friend of Prof. Higgins. His character introduces the financial aspect to Eliza's transformation and brings a level of sanity and normality in the otherwise absurd setting, essentially balancing out the eccentricity of Prof. Higgins.

Additionally, Jennifer Vallance plays Mrs. Pearce, the loyal housekeeper to Prof. Higgins, providing a side-line commentary to the events and grounding the narrative in reality.

The film, above all, is resolute in its commitment to the genre of a musical. The characters spontaneously burst out singing at every opportunity, revealing their inner thoughts, motivations, feelings, and, in Eliza’s case, her insatiable appetite for brains. The songs are full of heart and humor, with the conspicuous presence of wit and irony in the lyrics. There are grand musical performances encompassing classic zombie themes with Victorian-era high society that are not simply narrative fillers, but serve as pivotal plot drivers in the film.

The cinematography delivers an authentic atmosphere of the era, with sets and costumes meticulously crafted to mirror the early 20th century posh British lifestyle. Yet, it also integrates classic horror elements appropriately to create a sense of anxiety and dread.

The film definitely leans into its absurdity, creating a lively, unique atmosphere that is campy and fun. Character developments are shown wonderfully through offbeat comedy and over-the-top horror, turning gruesome situations into a laughable and entertaining spectacle.

While undeniably gory, My Fair Zombie achieves a comedic tone expertly through witty dialogue and charming performances from an outstanding ensemble cast, maintaining a steady undercurrent of humor throughout.

With My Fair Zombie, you are in for a rousing tale of transformation, a love story amid a zombie outbreak, and a wonderful meshing of horror and musical. These elements bring about an inimitable genre-bending spectacle that presents a viewing experience like no other. The film not only manages to stick to its roots, honoring both the musical and horror genres, but also takes liberties to explore and innovate in its narrative. It demonstrates how genre blend can result in something unique, entertaining, and refreshingly different. If you are a fan of either horror or musical or both and have a penchant for the unconventional, My Fair Zombie offers an incredible treat.