As We Know It (2023) Review

It feels that we live in a time where zombies have become as commonplace as morning coffee. And As We Know It shuffles onto the screen with the kind of deadpan humor that promises to inject new life into the well-trodden terrain of the undead. Director Josh Monkarsh, armed with a script that’s more relationship comedy than flesh-eating fright fest, sets the stage for a post-apocalyptic romp that curiously unfolds against the backdrop of a 1990s California soaked in slacker ethos.

Set in the bustling streets of a zombie-infested Los Angeles, we’re introduced to James Bishop (Mike Castle), a struggling writer plagued not only by the blank pages of his novel but also by the recent echoes of a breakup with Emily (Taylor Blackwell). Enter Bruce (Oliver Cooper), James’ trusty best friend, with an urgent message – the undead are on the rise, and the only thing that seems to link this decaying nightmare is a peculiar brand of oat milk. A bizarre genesis for an apocalypse, but such quirks set the stage for the film’s tongue-in-cheek sensibilities.

Monkarsh, alongside co-writers Brandon DePaolo and Christopher Francis, weaves a narrative that leans heavily on comedic banter, a hybrid of wit and whimsy. The dialogue, with its offbeat humor, introduces a refreshing element, particularly when the cause of the zombie uprising turns out to be a quirky choice of beverage chilling in James’ fridge. It’s a choice that establishes the film’s tone from the outset – this isn’t your conventional horror; it’s a comedy that just happens to have the undead as its supporting cast.

The heart of the film rests in the dynamic between James and Bruce, portrayed with infectious chemistry by Castle and Cooper. Their banter resonates with echoes of classic comedy duos, offering moments reminiscent of the Abbott and Costello era. In this tale of impending doom, their camaraderie provides both a grounding force and a source of consistent comedy. Blackwell, in her role as Emily, injects charm into the mix, her performance echoing the spirit of rom-coms from the late ’90s.

Pam Grier, a legendary presence, graces the film in a supporting role, elevating its charm with her unique flair. A particular scene, choreographed to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” becomes a highlight, showcasing the film’s willingness to tread into the absurd without losing its footing.

Transporting us back to the ’90s, As We Know It wears its nostalgia proudly. The humor, much like the era it harks back to, is rooted in slacker comedies, offering a blend of quirky roommate dynamics and relationship jests. Monkarsh cleverly infuses the film with a distinct style that feels both familiar and refreshing.

While the zombie genre often thrives on straight blood and guts horror, As We Know It sidesteps traditional scares, placing its focus on character-driven comedy. The undead serve more as comedic foils than genuine threats, a choice that may leave fervent zombie enthusiasts craving more visceral encounters. Yet, the film’s narrative choice to foreground relationships over horror tropes injects it with a distinctive rhythm, making it a departure from the standard undead fare.

Unfortunately, in a similar vein to the comparable 2019 zom-com The Dead Don’t Die, the film doesn’t quite deliver the quantities of humour or horror to comfortably be able to classifiy itself as either. The result is a film which, though entertaining, is mild on impact and at times runs the risk of coming off a little strained.

At a compact 84 minutes, As We Know It is a gleefully zany ride through the zombie apocalypse. Monkarsh and the ensemble cast successfully deliver an entertaining escapade that revels in its own absurdity. It’s a comedy that embraces the end of the world with a shrug, a wink, and a hearty chuckle. In a genre that often takes itself too seriously, this film reminds us that the impending apocalypse might just be an excellent backdrop for some genuine laughs.

Movie Rating:

As We Know It trailer