Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)

Review by CJ

Director:
Kiah Roache-Turner

Starring:
Jay Gallagher, Bianca Bradey, Leon Burchill

Other notable appearances:
Berynn Schwerdt

Running time:
98 minutes

Watch this if you liked:
Deathproof, Terror Planet, Machete

 

When the zombie apocalypse is brought on by a meteor shower in the Australian outback, survivors Barry (Gallagher) and Benny (Burchill) team up to save Barry’s sister Brooke (Bradey) from a mad scientist.

I must admit that I didn’t really expect much from Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead. As far as Aussie horror goes, the pickings are slim and what there is can’t always be described as good. I was pleasantly surprised though to find that I enjoyed Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead a lot more than I thought I would. 

The acting and character development in Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead isn’t about to win any Oscars, but the actors give intense portrayals that are a little bit over the top and that fits well with the overall feel of the film. 

Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead’s story is twisted in a very entertaining way and, to be honest, it didn’t always make a lot of sense. What it did do though was keep going at a break neck speed regardless of any plot holes that tried to slow it down. 

The one liners and humour that are peppered throughout Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead are distinctly Australian. The quote at the bottom of this review and the deadpan way in which it is delivered is a great example of that. 

Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead has everything it needs to become a cult classic and I really hope it does. If you enjoy demented films with horror themes, such as the Evil Dead films, Rocky Horror Picture Show or any of the modern Grindhouse homages, then Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead is well worth checking out. 

Rating:

“That thing bit me fucking nose off. Frankie, how does it look, mate? Is me nose gone? Is it bit off? Tell me, Frankie!”
“Yeah, there’s not much nose left, mate.”