Dead Meat

When I was attending a horror convention with a friend we bought together this flick, the man who sold it had a big laugh on his face just to give the statement, you've been ripped off but it costs only 2 euro's so we couldn't be ripped off I guessed. Was I right, this is an excellent zombie flick. Of course it's low budget and it shows but it gives something extra on it. I mean, the night scene's are a bit too dark so you don't really see what is happening so by that way you can't see the cheap effects, but again, they are well done. Just watch out for the end when the zombies really attack. There are decapitations, pitchforks going into bodies and everything else you would like to do to a attacking zombie. That's all done very well but the make up of the zombie's faces are really bad. But don't hesitate to go search for it, is will well worth your money. The only thing I could say that was a bit annoying was the Irish language, I have nothing against that but it is sometimes hard to understand and sadly there were no subs on it.

Do you like your zombie films without the constant melodrama, but with a primal narrative stripped to the bone, overly familiar in pattern (with lots of driving, stomping, running, fighting and hiding) and choked with practical gore effects? Then the low-budget Irish zombie horror DEAD MEAT might be right up your alley.

The plot is of no real importance, no topical message (unless you count its abrupt, non-resolution ending), and no flesh (thematically speaking), other than to set-up people surviving a mad cow disease outbreak infecting the populace of an Irish countryside, turning them into devouring flesh-eating zombies. There's a quick exposition dump of what's happening when a car radio is turned on, but these characters mainly learn it the hard way. Each arising situation seems to finish on zombie carnage in what starts off as a couple, eventually becomes hordes upon hordes of living dead; you even a get mad cow or two joining in on the mauling action. Some neat zombie kills involving a vacuum cleaner, high heels and screwdriver too. You got to remember though, this is really low-budget and for majority it shows in all aspects. It was actually more limited than I was expecting, but the gushing effects and cadaverous make-up while varied (even using some raw leftovers from the butchers) are competently executed.

The opening moments of the couple driving in the countryside feels like a head nod towards the intro of "Night of the Living Dead", and the filming style with its swirling, lively camera-work had me thinking of "The Evil Dead", but without the kinetic flair. Actually the way it was filmed, felt a little maverick and experimental in its constant disorienting changes in cinematography and editing. Set-pieces can get repetitive and lighting during the night time scenes is simply a flashlight, but it never lingers and the vast rural backdrop serves its purpose in creating a real unnerving sense of hopelessness and isolation from the real world. The characters are paper thin, but sometimes it was hard to understand what was being said, especially when they mumble or bicker, due to a couple of thick accents. In a way it wasn't easy to connect with these characters, but there was a believable quality to the performances. Actually come to think of it, maybe there were a few moments of character insight, but it just went over my head because I kept finding myself going in and out due to the heavy accents?

"DEAD MEAT" won't blow you away. It doesn't add anything new to the sub-genre, or pretend to be anything other than homage, but I did enjoy the simplicity and abundance of low-grade gore.

This was a great movie. Obviously shot on tape this normally brings problems technically to viewing pleasure, combined with some performances that had great weakness one might be led to thinking that you were viewing another straight to video rubbish film. However quickly the dimensions of the character and the inventiveness of the director with his choice of camera set ups led to an exciting and dramatically interesting film in which one had interest and emotion invest within unlike many bigger zombie films with far greater budgets as was sadly the case with Land of the dead. To be highly recommended for those who not only like gory and inventive horror but also to those who wish for greater depth within the film.

What can I say, DEAD MEAT is excellent. The first true Irish Horror film sets a high standard for all future Irish features to live up to.

A wonderful blend of genuine thrills and over the top humour, DEAD MEAT manages excellently to satisfy all the viewers needs. First and foremost, DEAD MEAT is a film made by horror fans for horror fans. This is what makes this film such a genuine treat.

The basic plot revolves around a cow suffering from mad cow disease breaking out and attacking a farmer. This leads to a new strain of the disease that once infected turns everyone into flesh eating Zombies. The film follows a group of stranded folk and there efforts to make it through the horde of Zombies and make it to safety.

Plot aside, this film succeeds where many other imitators failed due to the fact that it doesn't take itself overly serious, but at the same time refrains from falling into the trap of lame slapstick. This is the directorial debut of Conor McMahon and his work along with the Irish Horrorthon founders, Ed King and Michael Griffin shows a genuine eye for what made all the classic horror films so good.

A mixture of modern humour with the style and atmosphere of classics such as Night of the Living Dead and the many 70's Italian Zombie films this film is guaranteed to delight any fan of the genre (or just enjoyable films in general). Another worthy note is the music which shifts from an eerie score to at times a John Carpenter-esque style. Over analysing the film would only take away from the pure fun and entertainment that this film embodies,

Destined to be a cult classic, Get it, watch it and ENJOY IT!!!

This may not be the best movie, but is very entertaining.