There’s a Zombie Outside, the aptly-named upcoming feature from writer, director and friend of Fango Michael Varrati (The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, the FANGORIA 2023 Chainsaw Awards) is having its World Premiere virtually nationwide at the 10th Annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival this Friday, August 9 – and we're excited to bring you a brand new exclusive clip today.
In There's a Zombie Outside:
This meta-horror tale centers on a struggling artist who is deeply enmeshed in the world of cult cinema. As his identity blurs with his dark creations, he starts to see the monster from his films creeping into his reality, leaving him unable to distinguish fact from fiction.
There's a Zombie Outside boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Ben Baur (Hunting Season), Phylicia Wissa (Santa Clarita Diet), Danny Plotner (HBO’s Euphoria), Ty Chen (The Middle), Francisco Chacin (Poltergays), William Lott (Bottom), Tiffany Shepis (Star Trek: Picard), and drag legend and Chainsaw Awards co-host Peaches Christ (All About Evil).
The meta-horror will also feature the voices of Lori Cardille (George Romero’s Day of the Dead), Elizabeth Coffey (John Waters’ Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble) and Julia Marchese & Teri Gamble of Horror Movie Survival Guide.
In a director's statement, Varrati elaborated on whatThere's a Zombie Outside has to say on the queerness of horror as a genre:
“THERE'S A ZOMBIE OUTSIDE is ultimately an exploration of what happens when the cinematic escapism of one person becomes the defining attribute of another. I think that sometimes seeing ourselves solely through art can lead to a disconnect…and we don't always realize that has the potential to open the door to something horrific. To that end, I suppose the story came from a personal place. I spend a lot of my time thinking about our relationship with the media we consume…and how easy it is for fan culture to forever attach a creator or performer to a particular film or role from their past. It can be good a thing…but I also know that for some people it can be daunting.
For queer and other marginalized artists, it can take on even more dimension…as those attachments from the mainstream can create further compartmentalization. As someone who often deals directly with queer horror…I've seen walls go up from horror fans who don't know how to deal with queer content….and adversely…I've seen walls go up from queer fans who don't know how to deal with horror. THERE'S A ZOMBIE OUTSIDE is a direct response to that sentiment. It's a strange, abstract piece that we did our way…and it just so happens to have a sticky, undead monster at the center.”
Varrati also expressed his excitement at premiering at Popcorn Frights Film Festival specifically:
“I could not be more thrilled that THERE'S A ZOMBIE OUTSIDE is making its debut with Popcorn Frights. The festival's reputation among horror fans as one of the best curated celebrations of the genre is more than earned. The Popcorn Frights team clearly loves horror and their thoughtful curation of the festival has led to an exciting line-up of films that I am EXTREMELY proud to be listed among. I'm grateful that they are championing our work…it's truly an honor.”
Here's our (very creepy) exclusive clip and stills that'll definitely make you think twice about investigating that sound late at night…
