Heart Eyes star Olivia Holt is back for another round in her latest horror movie — this time, tackling zombies instead of slashers. Shudder has just released the trailer for This Is Not a Test, a new YA horror thriller based on the novel of the same name by Courtney Summers that hits theaters next month before heading to the steamer.
Holt stars in This Is Not a Test as Sloane, the leader of a group of teens taking cover in their high school while the world outside is ravaged by zombies. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands. The film is directed by Adam MacDonald, and also stars Froy Gutierrez and Luke McFarlane.
“As a longtime horror movie fan, I've loved Adam MacDonald's wildly intense and sharply realized contributions to the genre, and I'm thrilled he's sharing his talents with This is Not a Test,” said author Summers when the film was originally announced. “From its stellar script to its exciting cast, his and Cybill's enthusiasm for the book and their passion for filmmaking has and continues to define every part of this process. I can't wait to see the story come to life–or should I say death?–and claim its place in the zombie canon.”
This Is Not a Test is just one of many horror titles being distributed through Shudder this year. They recently released Chain Reactions, the Texas Chain Saw Massacre documentary, on their platform, and will also be premiering films like Mother of Flies and The Holy Boy later this year.
“Courtney Summers’ book This Is Not a Test captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen,” said MacDonald.
“I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt’s exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes (Docs) and bringing her to life. I’m beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release […] Producer Cybill Lui and I brought together the very best creative team to realize this deeply emotional, gritty, intense film, one that puts you on the very edge of your seat and will leave you with hope at the end of the world.”
This Is Not a Test hits theaters on February 20.
