Braindead (1992) – Film Review

Director: Peter Jackson

Cast: Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody

Review Author: Tony

Synopsis: Lionel is a mild-mannered young man who is trapped in an overbearing relationship with his domineering mother, Vera. When a bite from a Sumatran rat monkey leads to her transformation into a ravenous zombie, Lionel is thrust into a world of chaos and undead mayhem.

Before Peter Jackson enchanted us with the fantastical realms of hobbits, wizards, and epic battles in “The Lord of the Rings,” he ventured into the grotesque and comedic with “Braindead” (1992). This was Jackson in his formative years, an era far removed from the grandeur of Middle-earth, when he was honing his craft in the world of splatter horror.

“Braindead” stands as a treasure trove for aficionados of practical effects. In a time when CGI was still in its cinematic infancy, this film is a testament to the creative ingenuity of practical effects. Each frame drips with gore, a visual symphony of simulated viscera. Limbs are severed, innards spilt, and skulls cracked in ways that range from grotesque to hilarious. The film, however, doesn’t merely revel in its gore. It infuses its horror with a slapstick style that borders on the absurd. From zombie-battling lawnmowers to grotesque custard-covered confrontations, “Braindead” delivers a relentless cascade of absurdity.

“Braindead” isn’t just about the blood and the slapstick; it sports a cast of fantastic characters. At the centre of the madness is Lionel, portrayed by Timothy Balme. Lionel embarks on a transformative journey, evolving from a meek, repressed young man living under the domineering shadow of his mother. Balme’s depiction of Lionel’s metamorphosis from timid mama’s boy to lawnmower-wielding hero is a sheer delight. His deadpan reactions to the lunacy around him serve as a perfect foil to the pandemonium. Then there’s Lionel’s mother, Vera, played by Elizabeth Moody. Vera epitomizes the concept of the overbearing parent both in life and death.

To label “Braindead” as merely over the top would be a gross understatement. This film propels absurdity to a level that defies description. The kung-fu priest scene, one of its most iconic sequences, encapsulates the film’s penchant for unbridled excess. Picture a priest, armed with divine wrath and martial arts prowess, kicking zombie arse for the Lord. It’s a spectacle that sways between sidesplitting and jaw-dropping.”Braindead” doesn’t merely toe the line of absurdity; it gleefully vaults over it.

“Braindead” isn’t just another cult classic; it ranks among the finest horror comedies ever put to screen. It’s a genre-defying masterpiece that seamlessly blends horror and humour, creating a concoction of gore, slapstick, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a die-hard fan revisiting it once again or stepping into its wild world for the first time, “Braindead” is an extravagant carnival of chaos and humour that etches itself in your memory

Rating:

Babies in a blender