Texas Voodoo Zombies

Texas Voodoo Zombies, directed by Victor McGlothin, is a gripping horror-comedy film from 2016 that explores the supernatural underbelly present in the most unlikely places, filled with suspense, thrills, and wrapped with a touch of humor.

The film involves a black urban narrative, offering a compelling blend of horror and humor anchored by the performances of Garrick Thomas, Sarah Umoh, and Brandi Gwin. This creative independent film sets itself apart with its distinctive stance on zombies and voodoo practices.

The protagonist of our story is Doobie Jones, played by Garrick Thomas. Doobie is a slacker, devoid of direction and ambition. His life takes a turn when he is suddenly burdened with an immense responsibility. He is put under house arrest for petty crimes. With a tag around his ankle, he is bound, under legal mandate, to remain within the confines of his house. Under such restriction and imminent boredom, Doobie stumbles upon a method to keep himself from dying of mundanity: running a telephone chatline with his somewhat eccentric friends.

As things start to feel comfortable and even profitable, a twist in the plot cranks up the suspense. A box containing an unfamiliar substance arrives. A drug, given its captivating power, but with a supernatural twist. This mysterious substance opens a pandora's box of voodoo powered zombies. The film brilliantly combines themes of horror, comedy, and thrilling suspense as Doobie and his friends must navigate this horrifying predicament.

Sarah Umoh as Doobie's love interest brings a charming chemistry to the screen, introducing a romantic subplot to the plotline that adds depth to Doobie's character and the narrative. The interplay of their relationship amid the unfolding chaos offers a refreshing perspective and respite from the otherwise escalating tension.

Brandi Gwin, playing a significant role, steps in as an unlikely ally, becoming a part of the team trying to ward off the zombie outbreak. Heroes always find their strength in the face of adversity, and the characters in Texas Voodoo Zombies are no different. Brandi Gwin’s character adds an another interesting layer to the plot, bringing in more of the unexpected into an already twisted narrative.

The movie departs from traditional zombie playbooks, offering a fresh lens into the world of living dead by introducing an element of voodoo. The moments of suspense and horror are well-designed, the eerie feeling creeping in stealthily, and the emergence of zombies striking just the right chord of horror. The characters handle their predicament with a slight touch of innocent humor that balances the chills and thrills, making it a unique spectacle. The infusion of comedic relief at times of tense horror beckons the viewers to invest emotionally behind the characters and storyline, creating a gripping narrative that punches well above its weight for an independent film.

Garrick Thomas plays a convincing lead, embodying the listless but likeable Doobie. The transformation of his character when faced with the zombie nightmare is praiseworthy. The performances of Sarah Umoh and Brandi Gwin, too, are commendable, instilling a sense of realism to the script that is fantastical in nature.

The cinematography and direction of Texas Voodoo Zombies deserve a note of praise. The visual portrayal of horror combined with subtle comedy is carried out effectively. The ambience, lighting, and camera work enhances the overall mood of the film, from light-hearted comedy to dark, suspenseful moments. The graphic makeup of the zombies is well-executed, adding to the overall impact of the horror scenes.

The movie not only provides an entertaining narrative, but it builds meticulously on each character, giving them enough screen time for us to relate with, laugh with and fear for. The comical angle integrated into a ghastly scenario gives Texas Voodoo Zombies a quirky edge in horror movie genre.

In closing, Texas Voodoo Zombies is a refreshing watch, wavering from mindless laughter to edge-of-the-seat thrill, pulling you into its quirky universe. This indie film warrants a watch for the skeptics of horror-comedy genre, as the story and characters do a fine job of telling a story about survival, friendship, and overcoming your deepest fears. If you have a liking for unconventional zombie flicks and appreciate independent cinema, this should definitely be on your list.