Exciting news is on the horizon for fans of the zombie genre! Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero, the daughter of the iconic filmmaker George A. Romero, is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7. This film marks her directorial debut and showcases her unique vision while paying homage to her father’s legacy.
Reflecting on her father’s profound influence, Romero shares, “I am his kid. There’s no denying it. And he has influenced me greatly.” To honor George A. Romero, the film includes numerous Easter eggs, featuring cameo appearances from notable figures such as legendary makeup artist Tom Savini and Dawn of the Dead star Gaylen Ross. “This is his monster, this is his genre,” she added, hinting at the nostalgic nods throughout the film.
Why Is the Zombie Apocalypse a Perfect Setting for Social Commentary?
Romero elaborates on the rich potential of the zombie apocalypse narrative for social commentary. “I can’t be my dad’s daughter without making an attempt at saying something with zombies,” she noted. While Queens of the Dead honors her father’s contributions to the genre, Tina introduces her own voice: “It’s very much not a film he would make, but it is using his vocabulary and is playing by his rules. On one hand, I just feel like the gays need a zombie film. It’s time that we get to have a big gay zombie movie.”
How Did the Film’s Concept Emerge?
Romero wanted to ensure the film felt authentic to her. The story unfolds during a vibrant night in the queer party scene, interrupted by a zombie outbreak at a warehouse drag show, inspired by real-life social media conflicts among party promoters during her time as a DJ. “The original promoter posted this manifesto begging the question, ‘When will the queer community stop devouring its own?’ And it hit me like a bolt of lightning,” she recounted.
Katy O’Brien, known for her role in The Mandalorian, plays a fictionalized version of this promoter, leading the film’s narrative. Interestingly, there is a special thank you to Tom Cruise in the credits for allowing them time off from filming Mission: Impossible to shoot this horror flick.
What Message Does Romero Hope to Convey?
Tina Romero aims to highlight the desire for innovative genre films that features a blend of gay scream queens, accompanied by her father’s signature horror and dark comedy elements. Though George A. Romero didn’t see the final script, he supported his daughter throughout the development process. “He said, ‘I love it! Run with it. Go for it.’ Unfortunately, he never got to read the completed script because it took me about seven years to get this developed… but I did have this blessing,” she reflected.
Are there any hints of George A. Romero’s legacy in Queens of the Dead? Absolutely! The film is filled with intentional nods to his influential work, making it a rich homage to the genre.
What makes Queens of the Dead stand out in the crowded zombie genre? It introduces an intersection of horror and queer culture, providing a fresh perspective and much-needed representation. This unique blend could resonate with fans new and old.
What kinds of themes does the film explore? Expect to see commentary on community dynamics and identity within the queer nightlife, all while navigating a chaotic zombie apocalypse. It’s set to challenge stereotypes while entertaining audiences.
As Queens of the Dead prepares to hit the screens, it’s clear that Tina Romero is bringing not just her father’s legacy but also her vision to life. It’s an exhilarating time for both horror enthusiasts and advocates for queer representation in film. Dive deeper into film culture and explore more with Moyens I/O.