Directed by Eric Forsberg
Review by Martin Boucher

Released by The Asylum
Running Time: 89 minutes
Rating: NR
Color format: Color
Audio/Subtitles: Stereo, 5.1
Region Code: 1, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
16:9 Enhanced: No
Special Features: Music video of “Feel the Disease” by Kissing Violet
Trailer Online: None

Hold on to your seat, for you’re about to experience low-budget moviemaking magic. NIGHT OF THE DEAD: LEBEN TOD is its name (Leben Tod refers to the state of life-death a corpse takes when almost completely alive). A sort of RE-ANIMATOR remake for the new generation. Writer director Eric Forsberg (SNAKE ON A TRAIN) spares no details in delivering an in-your-face horror feast that will definitely make you a believer in in-between afterlife—at least for 90 minutes.

The plot centers around a German doctor who is mad about resurrecting the dead, unbeknownst to his helping nephew and pregnant girlfriend, who just wants to get the hell out of this specialized hospital. You see, she is isolated from the outside world and is very pissed about it. No visitors are allowed in, not even her parents. Unless you’re three Latino Americans, that is, caught in a life and death situation. But only if you barge in. Which they naively do—and live to regret it.

Weak stomachs beware: NIGHT OF THE DEAD is very explicit. Decapitation, amputation, entrails gluttony… Every gory detail is put on a microscopy lens. Thanks to FX team leader Tom Devlin who clearly makes lemonade out of homemade paraphernalia. In fact, nothing in this film feels rushed. From its visual effect direction to its catch-on dialogue (“You’re insane!” “Yes, but who gives a shit.”), everything is top notch. Except, perhaps, the pushed down the stairs dummy-looking Leben Tod wheelchair victim, which in a way adds madness to this engaging romp.

One thing’s for sure, Eric Forsberg gives new life to the already dépassé Zombie phase. No paint-by-the-numbers filmmaking here. His upbeat tempo and murky atmosphere pack punch—not to mention chills—even when during calm seas. You never know what to expect and that’s only half the fun. The other half is trying to catch-on to his horror film homage moments which include EVIL DEAD and the DAWN OF THE DEAD remake. And what’s to say of his extra curriculum activity as a music video director featuring delectably talented Emily Carlstrom from Kissing Violet band? His “Feel the Disease” take of the film song certainly parallels his vision as a wild and crazy guy.

Speaking of cuckoos, every actor involved with NIGHT OF THE DEAD deserves high praise. If not for their professionalism, for their sheer enthusiasm reflected on-screen. Just one look at them going at it makes you want to praise the high Gods of limited-budget filmmaking. Or to simply lift your hat off to a talented director who, suffice to say, has a hell of a bright future ahead.