Low budget blood and guts in the potteries – alreet duck
A super fun, extremely low-to-no budget zombie film set in Stoke-on-Trent by local film maker John Williams.
Something got into the water and has infected the populous, survivors run for cover (or to the nearest pub too) to escape the flesh-eating hordes of Staffordshire zombies dredging through the potteries. The film follows different groups of people as they cope with the outbreak in their own unique way. From sadomasochistic sex pests to local louts, nobody is safe. Cameo performances from Pete Bennett (appeared on TV series “Big Brother“) and Stoke-on-Trent’s very own Nick Hancock (appeared on various TV series including “They think it’s all over“) help to add a bit of class to the film which is dripping with fake blood and dodgy zombies – this reviewer is allowed to say that, he was one of the dodgy zombies!
Everything is done super low budget (£500), and in some instances no budget at all (God bless the willing volunteers of Stoke-on-Trent). This is because it’s a product of love for film-maker John Williams. It’s intended to look and feel as glamorous as it’s budget allows and it generally works well. This film wouldn’t look too far out of place next to Frank Henenlotter’s “Basket Case” (1982) or Peter Jackson’s ‘Bad Taste‘ (1989) on a shelf of that’s filled with 80’s horror films. The pace of the film varies at times which I think is my biggest criticism, not to say this feels wrong as I’d expect anything with zombies in to slowly trudge at times. There is enough low brow British humour here to keep you entertained, and while there are a few local ‘in‘ jokes here it’s nothing that’ll stop your enjoyment the film, even if you aren’t a Stokie – I’m not and I enjoyed it.
I loved this film (but then I would as I am one of the zombies in it!), but so has everyone I’ve lent a copy of the film to. It’s definitely worth a watch and I’ve actually rated higher funded films a lot lot lower than this because this has a heart and a story. Not all films can say that.
I’m sure you will enjoy this DIY approach and mish-mash of a film, and you are in luck too – there a free copy of it available on YouTube here, so why not bump John’s film up with a few likes. In the meantime I can confirm that I recommend it, and I score this 7 out of a possible 10 because it’s a product of love, it has heart, and it’s fun!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
P.S. In case you are wondering, Zombie’s have no taste and don’t like oatcakes… also, that’s the author of this here blog that you are reading now (a lot younger though!!). xx
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