Little Monsters

2019

Director: Abe Forsythe

Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Alexander England, Josh Gad

Words – Carly Stevenson

Lupita Nyong’o, Alexander England and Josh Gad star in this uplifting, indie zom-com about the terrifying responsibilities of child rearing.
After a recent breakup leaves him without a place to stay, washed-up musician Dave (Alexander England) crashes with his sister Tess and her allergen-prone son, Felix. Dave’s persistent use of ‘bad words’ and general inappropriate behaviour mean he’s no role model, but Felix clearly idolises him despite his many shortcomings. Tess, on the other hand, threatens to kick him out unless he starts pulling his weight around the house – starting with the morning school run.
Instantly struck by Felix’s beautiful and plucky teacher Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o), Dave eagerly volunteers as a chaperone on the upcoming field trip to a farm. Needless to say, he is unprepared for what follows.

When a zombie outbreak at a nearby U.S. testing facility throws the trip into jeopardy, Miss Caroline and Dave lead the class to the gift shop, where they plan to hide and sing ukulele renditions of pop songs until the military arrive. Here, they encounter Teddy McGiggle (Josh Gad) – an alcoholic children’s TV personality who secretly hates kids.
Complications arise when Felix goes into anaphylactic shock after eating some snacks containing dairy. While Miss Caroline cuts her way through a hoard of zombies to get to Felix’s epi-pen, Dave realises that he needs to step up and take charge as a responsible adult. His character development from selfish man-child to superhero uncle is the beating heart of the story and his redemption feels earned, rather than forcedly sentimental.

Quite unlike any other film in its respective subgenre, Little Monsters is a bloody, imaginative and immensely enjoyable take on the zombie film with just the right balance of comedy and carnage, elevated by a charming performance from Lupita Nyong’o as the teacher we all wish we’d had at school.