What Is Bad Taste About?
The premise of Bad Taste in 321 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a remote corner of New Zealand, two trigger‑happy siblings—brothers by blood and hitmen by trade—return home to find their father dead under mysterious circumstances. The quiet, wind‑blown towns they once knew are suddenly tinged with a strange, unfamiliar energy, hinting that something far beyond ordinary crime has taken root in their homeland. Their long‑standing partnership, forged in shadowy assignments and punctuated by dark humor, is instantly tested as they grapple with grief, duty, and the stark reality that the world they thought they understood has shifted dramatically.
Beyond the familiar rolling hills, an alien presence has slipped through the cracks of everyday life, planning a grotesque culinary venture that could turn humanity into the main course of an intergalactic feast. The aliens are not the sleek, benevolent visitors of classic sci‑fi; they are absurdly invasive, blending into the countryside while maintaining a hideously playful menace. This premise sets the stage for a clash that is as much about the ridiculousness of the threat as it is about its terrifying implications.
The film’s tone is a wildly exaggerated mix of slapstick gore and razor‑sharp satire. Graphic violence erupts with a cartoonish flamboyance, splattering bodily fluids across the screen in a way that feels both shocking and oddly comedic. The brothers’ chemistry—equal parts camaraderie, rivalry, and unspoken affection—anchors the chaos, providing a grounded, if volatile, lens through which the audience can experience the pandemonium. Their penchant for over‑the‑top action blends seamlessly with the film’s absurdist humor, creating a style that feels simultaneously relentless and delightfully off‑kilter.
As the story unfolds, the stakes are simple yet colossal: stop an otherworldly culinary catastrophe before the planet becomes a menu item. The blend of rural New Zealand scenery, grotesque extraterrestrial cuisine, and a duo of irreverent hitmen promises a wildly entertaining ride that revels in its own madness while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering just how far the mayhem will go.
What Happens in Bad Taste?
The complete story of Bad Taste, from the first scene to the last, in 687 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
The New Zealand Astro Investigation and Defence Service (AIDS) dispatches a team comprising Derek, Frank, Ozzy, and Barry to uncover the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of the townsfolk in Kaihoro, located on the North Island of New Zealand. Upon their arrival, they quickly discover that the town is infested with space aliens masquerading as humans. In a shocking turn of events, Barry manages to eliminate one of the aliens, only to be besieged by a gang of others armed with sledgehammers.
As Derek alerts Frank and Ozzy, who are en route to Kaihoro, he resorts to torturing Robert, an alien they had previously captured. The screams of Robert attract more aliens to their location. In a dramatic confrontation, Derek dispatches the reinforcements, but Robert turns against him, causing Derek to tragically tumble over a cliff, seemingly meeting his end.
Meanwhile, Giles, a charity bill collector, inadvertently wanders into Kaihoro, where he is attacked by Robert, who has been feasting on the brains of the alien that Barry killed. In a desperate bid for safety, Giles flees in his car and seeks assistance at a nearby residence. Unfortunately, he is captured by another alien—disguised as a chef—who renders him unconscious with a wooden meat tenderizer mallet. Giles later regains consciousness in a bathtub full of water, where he learns that he is on the menu for a terrifying feast.
Simultaneously, Derek surprisingly awakens in a seagull’s nest. Realizing that part of his brain is leaking from the back of his head, he humorously juggles the situation by stuffing it back in and securing it with a hat.
As night descends, Frank, Ozzy, and Barry stealthily infiltrate the aliens’ lair, discovering a sinister chamber teeming with bloody cardboard boxes. They manage to capture and kill an alien, after which Frank dons its shirt to blend in at an alien gathering. There, he uncovers the horrifying truth: the residents of Kaihoro have been harvested as part of an alien fast food chain named ‘Crum’s Country Delights’. In a particularly grotesque moment, Robert vomits into a bowl that the aliens consume from, with a horrified Frank among them. He eventually escapes to relay this disturbing information to his comrades, who plot to rescue Giles while the aliens slumber.
At dawn, their escape attempt goes awry when the aliens attack them, igniting a fierce and explosive gun battle where both sides unleash chaos. Derek joins the fray, only to have his hat shot off, leading him to lose more of his brain. Resourcefully, he fashions a headband from his belt, seizes a chainsaw from his car, and charges toward the alien base. As they make their escape with Giles, they encounter the formidable alien leader, Lord Crumb, who reveals his true form and pursues them.
In the chaos, Ozzy detonates Frank’s car, overrun with aliens, using a rocket launcher. Frank and Ozzy return to confront Lord Crumb, taking down numerous aliens along the route. In an intense showdown, Derek, now wielding his chainsaw, kills an alien that was about to shoot Frank and Ozzy, astonishing them with his survival.
As they attempt to flee, Lord Crumb shoots Ozzy in both legs, while Frank’s rocket fire goes awry, nearly hitting Derek instead and ultimately obliterating a sheep in a nearby field. In a climactic twist, Derek is knocked out by Lord Crumb, who reveals the aliens’ base is a colossal spaceship launching into the cosmos — with Derek inadvertently aboard.
Inside the ship, Derek gazes out the window, witnessing Earth shrink away. Suddenly, a loud commotion captures Lord Crumb’s attention, allowing Derek to launch a surprise attack, slicing the alien in half with his chainsaw. In a triumphant moment, he declares into his phone: > “I’m born again! I’m coming to get you bastards!” He then puts on the skin of the alien leader, laughing maniacally as he propels himself toward the alien planet with only his chainsaw in hand, undoubtedly intent on annihilating the alien race.
The film concludes with a heartwarming scene of Frank, Ozzy, Giles, and Barry driving into the sunset in Derek’s car, leaving behind the chaos of Kaihoro.
Bad Taste Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Team Dispatch” to “Driving into the Sunset”. 11 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Team Dispatch
The New Zealand Astro Investigation and Defence Service (AIDS) assembles a specialized team to explore the mysterious vanishing of residents in Kaihoro. Comprising Derek, Frank, Ozzy, and Barry, their mission is to uncover the secrets behind the strange occurrences in the town.
Where:Kaihoro, North Island, New Zealand
- 2
Arrival in Kaihoro
Upon reaching Kaihoro, the team quickly realizes that the town is under siege by space aliens disguised as humans. As they assess the situation, the gravity of their task becomes apparent when they encounter signs of chaos and disappearance.
Where:Kaihoro, North Island, New Zealand
- 3
First Confrontation
In a startling turn of events, Barry eliminates one of the aliens, which leads to a fierce counterattack by other aliens brandishing sledgehammers. This first confrontation lays the foundation for the ensuing chaos as Derek alerts his teammates who are en route to the town.
Where:Kaihoro, North Island, New Zealand
- 4
Torture of Robert
To extract information, Derek resorts to torturing Robert, the alien they captured earlier. The situation escalates as Robert's desperate screams draw more aliens to their location, intensifying the already perilous scenario.
- 5
Derek’s Fall
During a dramatic clash with the alien reinforcements, Derek finds himself unexpectedly betrayed by Robert. In a tragic accident, Derek tumbles over a cliff, seemingly meeting his demise as the team tries to cope with the sudden loss.
Where:Cliff near Kaihoro
- 6
Giles’ Encounter
Giles, a charity bill collector, innocently wanders into Kaihoro only to be attacked by Robert, who has been consuming the brains of the slain alien. In a desperate escape, Giles flees but is captured by another alien disguised as a chef.
Where:Kaihoro, North Island, New Zealand
- 7
A Disturbing Awakening
Giles regains consciousness submerged in a bathtub full of water. He realizes he is the main course in a terrifying meal prepared by the aliens, raising the stakes for his survival amidst the ongoing crisis.
- 8
Derek's Recovery
Derek miraculously awakens in a seagull’s nest with part of his brain leaking out. He humorously attempts to remedy this odd predicament by stuffing his brain back in and securing it with a hat, showcasing his irreverent character.
Where:Seagull’s nest in Kaihoro
- 9
Infiltrating the Alien Lair
As night falls, Frank, Ozzy, and Barry stealthily infiltrate the alien lair where they discover gruesome cardboard boxes hinting at the disturbing truth. They capture an alien and, in a daring move, Frank disguises himself to gather vital information.
Where:Alien lair, Kaihoro
- 10
Revelation of the Fast Food Chain
Frank uncovers the horrifying reality that the residents of Kaihoro have been harvested to serve as food for an alien fast food chain called 'Crum's Country Delights.' This shocking revelation escalates the urgency for the team to act before it’s too late.
Where:Alien gathering, Kaihoro
Show the other 5 events of Bad Taste Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Dawn Attack
At dawn, the team's rescue plan for Giles goes awry as the aliens launch a fierce attack. In the chaos of a chaotic gun battle, Derek resourcefully transforms a belt into a headband to keep his remaining brain intact while wielding a chainsaw for combat.
Where:Kaihoro
- 12
Confronting Lord Crumb
As the battle escalates, they confront Lord Crumb, the alien leader, who showcases his formidable power. Injured but undeterred, the team fights valiantly, with Derek proving his worth against overwhelming odds.
- 13
Final Climactic Showdown
In a climactic showdown, Derek wields his chainsaw in a fierce confrontation with Lord Crumb. Despite sustaining injuries, he surprises his friends with his resilience and determination, demonstrating bravery against the alien menace.
- 14
Derek's Attack from the Ship
Derek is inadvertently launched aboard the aliens' colossal spaceship. As he witnesses Earth shrink away, he uses the commotion to launch a surprise attack on Lord Crumb, slicing through the alien in a moment of victory.
Where:Spaceship, Outer Space
- 15
Driving into the Sunset
The film concludes with a heartwarming scene where Frank, Ozzy, Giles, and Barry drive away in Derek's car. United after their harrowing experiences, they leave Kaihoro behind, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Where:Highway, North Island, New Zealand
Who Are the Main Characters in Bad Taste?
6 characters, among them Derek, Frank and Giles: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
- D
Derek
Played by Craig Smith
Derek is a resourceful and witty protagonist, showcasing both bravery and a dark sense of humor as he battles the alien threat. His ability to juggle absurd challenges, even while injured, highlights his tenacity and adaptability. Despite his comedic nature, Derek reveals a fiercely determined spirit in the face of danger.
- 🦸♂️ Hero
- 😂 Comedic Relief
- F
Frank
Played by Dean Lawrie
Frank is a loyal friend to Derek and a valuable member of the team, often providing comic relief through his actions. He demonstrates bravery as he infiltrates the alien gathering disguised as one of them. Frank's resourcefulness and ability to think on his feet are crucial in their strategic escapes.
- 👨🚀 Infiltrator
- 🤣 Comic Relief
- G
Giles
Giles is an unsuspecting charity collector who stumbles into the chaos of Kaihoro. He represents the innocence caught in the crossfire of the alien invasion, showcasing vulnerability and desperation. His journey from being an unaware victim to a pivotal character in the struggle for survival underscores the unpredictability of the situation.
- 🚶♂️ Innocent Bystander
- 🤕 Victim
- LC
Lord Crumb
Lord Crumb serves as the formidable alien antagonist, representing the larger threat posed by the extraterrestrial invaders. His character is characterized by arrogance and cruelty, and he embodies the alien menace that the protagonists must overcome. His pursuit of the main characters exemplifies the high stakes of the conflict.
- 👾 Villain
- 🚨 Alien Leader
- B
Barry
Played by Doug Wren
Barry is a determined member of the team who shows courage amid the chaos while facing the aliens. He plays a crucial role in the group's confrontations and provides support to his friends, embodying the spirit of teamwork in their battle for survival.
- 💪 Team Player
- ⚔️ Fighter
- O
Ozzy
Played by Ken Hammon
Ozzy is an essential ally in the fight against the aliens, demonstrating loyalty and courage as he joins the fray. His character adds to the comedic elements, especially during intense moments, balancing humor and bravery effectively.
- 🤠 Brave Ally
- 😂 Humorist
Where and When Is Bad Taste Set?
Bad Taste is set in Kaihoro, North Island, New Zealand and Alien Base. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting but within a fictional narrative that combines comedic elements with horror. The events blend typical aspects of a small-town life with the absurdity of an alien invasion. This mix creates a surreal experience where characteristics of both genres play off each other.
Where
Kaihoro, North Island, New Zealand, Alien Base
Kaihoro is a small town on New Zealand's North Island, once peaceful but now overrun by space aliens. The town is characterized by its sinister alien-infested atmosphere and has become the battleground for a desperate struggle for survival. An alien base, resembling a colossal spaceship, serves as the heart of the extraterrestrial menace.
- 🌍 Location
- 👽 Alien World
What Are the Themes of Bad Taste?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Alien Invasion and Survival.
-
01
Alien Invasion
The film tackles themes of alien invasion, showcasing the tension and absurdity in a battle between humans and extraterrestrials. The comedic elements intertwined with the horror of being hunted add a unique twist to the narrative, highlighting human resilience in the face of bizarre otherworldly threats.
-
02
Survival
Survival is a key theme as the characters navigate the chaos brought by the aliens. They are forced to adopt guerrilla tactics and showcase ingenuity in their fight for their lives. The struggle highlights camaraderie and determination as they confront their fears and fight against overwhelming odds.
What Kind of Film Is Bad Taste?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Mixed
A gloriously chaotic and absurdly gory sci-fi comedy that delivers relentless, low-budget action and dark humor through a story of aliens turning humans into fast food, resulting in an experience that is both repulsive and hilarious.
- absurd
- campy
- chaotic
- violent
- gory
- darkly humorous
- alien invasion
- body horror
- cult film
- battle for survival
Content notes: graphic violence, body horror, cannibalism, torture.
Quiz
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