Zilla and Zoe

Zilla and Zoe is a quirky and heartwarming film that viewers can enjoy with the entire family. Greg James, Aida Valentine, and Sam Kamerman add their talents to an engaging story that emphasizes the beauty and occasional absurdity of family life and sibling relationships.

One part coming-of-age and one part comedy-horror, Zilla and Zoe unfolds in the vibrant city of Portland and revolves around the lives of two sisters with sharply contrasting personalities. The movie sets the stage for an unusual clash of interests that is both touching and hilarious.

Zoe, played by a young and talented Aida Valentine, is a 10-year-old enthusiastic girl whose ultimate dream is to submit her zombie-horror short film to a youth filmmaking contest. Her passion for filmmaking knows no bounds, as she spends days compiling footage and making up grisly and thrilling scenes; however, her plans are thwarted as her videos, intended for zombie aficionados, are filled mostly with footage of her family’s regular life.

On the other hand, Zoe's older sister, Zilla (Sam Kamerman), is about to get married and is entirely devoted to wedding plans, completely detached from Zoe's fantastical world of make-believe. Their father, played by Greg James, finds himself caught between his daughters' conflicting interests.

In an unexpected twist, Zoe's father prohibits her from making horror films until Zilla's wedding is over. Zoe is devastated but comes up with a new plan - turn Zilla's upcoming wedding into the perfect horror story to submit to the contest. What ensues is an unpredictable journey filled with laughter, coherent absurdity, and lessons in sibling bonds, parental love, and self-discovery.

Throughout the film, director Jessica Scalise successfully details the city of Portland's lively ambiance while creating a balanced mix of family drama and comedy. She also manages to maintain an air of innocence and a family-friendly vibe even against the backdrop of Zoe's zombie obsession. The unique setting and slice-of-life storytelling bring a strange, yet appealing charm to the film, making the characters relatable and their experiences genuine.

Aida Valentine’s performance as Zoe is commendable. She embodies her character flawlessly - her bewildering obsession with horror films, her inventive mind, and her determination set against the backdrop of her age-appropriate innocence and vulnerability. Her performance is at once hilarious, profound, and emotive.

Sam Kamerman, in the role of the soon-to-be-married Zilla, delivers her character's increasing frustration and annoyance with a natural ease. The chemistry between Kamerman and Valentine amplifies the bond of sisterhood, creating an engaging dynamic. The arrival of her overwhelmingly lavish mother adds another layer to their family's complexity, and adds another humorous obstacle for Zoe to navigate.

Greg James, as the father, is the binding element in the family. His performance is warm, entertaining and he is the voice of sense and sanity amidst the bickering sisters and the overbearing mother-in-law. As a single parent, he presents a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and dileasures he faces, expertly balancing humor and warmth.

Visually delicious with Portland’s rich cityscapes and nature, narratively very distinct, Zilla and Zoe fills your pallet with laughs and tears equally efficiently. The movie’s charm lies in its ability to mix the comedic and the dramatic tones into a seamlessly flowing story, keeping the audience entertained and invested.

The film from 2017 cleverly uses humor and the starkly contrasting characters of Zoe and Zilla to delve into the intricacies of familial bonds. It is smartly funny without being offensive and heartwarming without being melodramatic.

In short, Zilla and Zoe is an entertaining, light-hearted movie that takes audiences on a slightly absurd and thoroughly enjoyable narrative journey, effectively juggling themes of love, family, art, and individuality. It's a film that can be appreciated by adults and children alike, due to its clever writing, creative plot, and memorable performances. It is a wonderful cinematic treat promising equal parts of humor, heartfelt family bonding, and a dash of youthful adventure rolled into a memorable viewing experience.