What Is We Are Zombies About?
The premise of We Are Zombies in 308 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a near‑future metropolis where the line between life and death has been rewired, society has learned to coexist with the so‑called “living‑impaired” — zombies who no longer hunger for flesh but are treated as second‑class citizens. The city’s streets pulse with neon and decay, and every corner feels both familiar and unsettling, as businesses market to the undead and the living alike. Beneath the glossy veneer, the fragile peace is held together by uneasy contracts, bureaucratic red tape, and a constant undercurrent of tension that hints at something ready to snap.
The story follows three restless friends who drift through this odd landscape in search of fast money. Maggie is a small‑time thief with a knack for improvisation, Karl is her half‑brother whose loyalty is as stubborn as his humor, and Freddy is the earnest sidekick whose quiet optimism often masks deeper worries. Their chemistry crackles as they bicker, jest, and lean on one another, each bringing a distinct perspective to the chaotic world they navigate.
When a desperate call forces them to confront a powerful megacorporation that has taken a beloved family member hostage, the trio finds themselves pulled into a rescue that quickly spirals beyond a simple cash job. The stakes rise amid a backdrop of petty criminals and corporate machinations, turning ordinary street hustle into a high‑risk gamble. The tone balances gritty survival with darkly comic moments, letting the absurdity of a zombie‑filled city amplify both tension and humor.
Against the pulse of sirens and flickering billboards, the three must rely on their wits, uneasy alliances, and the fragile bonds that keep them together. As they step deeper into a world where every transaction could be their last, the audience is left wondering how far they’ll go, what they’ll sacrifice, and whether the city’s fragile peace can survive the storm they have unwittingly ignited.
What Happens in We Are Zombies?
The complete story of We Are Zombies, from the first scene to the last, in 850 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 10 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a universe where humans and peacefully coexist with what are usually considered docile zombies, society has adapted to treat these undead beings as second-class citizens, often referring to their condition as the “living-impaired” handicap. The story begins with Maggie Neard, a small-time thief who unexpectedly gets involved in a bizarre and dangerous world when she intercepts a call from the Coleman Corporation’s Retirement Services for the Living-Impaired. This call is about collecting an unwanted zombie, and Maggie, along with her half-brother Karl Neard and his friend Freddy Mercks, decide to pose as zombie collectors to carry out their plan.
They pick up the zombie from the McKenna residence, but things quickly escalate when the zombie bites a family member, forcing the trio to act swiftly and decisively. In a desperate act of self-preservation, they have to decapitate the zombie to prevent further harm, leading to less-than-ideal payment from their black market contact, Don. Instead of a full payout, they only receive half because of the damage inflicted. Meanwhile, Hannity—a strict, militaristic officer working for Coleman—faces frustration from his subordinates Stanley and Rocco for repeatedly allowing the thieves to disrupt their zombie collection missions. Hannity’s patience wears thin, and he orders them to recover the remaining $25,000 they owe him.
As their story unfolds, Freddy confesses to Karl that he’s been harboring feelings for Maggie and plans to propose with a gaudy ring. The revelation sparks tension, especially when Freddy criticizes Karl, suggesting he’s a “chronic masturbator,” which leads to a heated argument that gets interrupted when Stanley and Rocco capture the two. During the confrontation, Rocco’s carelessness results in him accidentally shooting himself, transforming into a zombie right then and there. This incident prompts Karl to mention his grandmother, Mrs. Neard—a key figure later in the plot—sparkling an idea for Stanley to recover their owed money.
After being knocked unconscious during the capture, Karl and Freddy wake up at home with Maggie and discover a shocking videotape from Stanley and Rocco. The footage reveals that Mrs. Neard has been kidnapped, and the kidnappers are demanding a ransom. Desperate to make quick cash and save his grandmother, Karl, Maggie, and Freddy seek out Don once again, who refers them to the controversial performance artist Otto Maddox. Otto offers a lucrative deal: they will be paid $50,000 to steal the corpse of actress Debbie Jones, famous for playing Zelvirella, a vampira-like character.
Meanwhile, in the corporate world, Hannity presents his “Project Zoltan”, an experimental gas designed to re-engineer and control zombies, to the Coleman board. During a demonstration by Dr. Judith West, things go awry when the undead test subject’s head explodes unexpectedly. The board is disappointed, especially when the project is terminated. Oddly, Coleman CEO Bob Coleman dies in an accident involving a sex swing and is resurrected as a brain-damaged zombie. Seizing the opportunity, Hannity takes control of the company and moves forward with his plans, testing Project Zoltan on Coleman and Dr. West to see if it can turn zombies feral.
Seeking a solution, Karl, Maggie, and Freddy infiltrate Country Hill Cemetery only to find that Debbie Jones’s body is too skeletal to reanimate. Maggie then recognizes Stanley as her ex-boyfriend when he calls to demand their ransom. During that call, Rocco’s careless shot results in the death of Mrs. Neard, turning her into a zombie. Karl recalls Jane, an undead online sex performer who resembles Zelvirella, and he convinces her to come with them. The group then faces a series of mishaps, including Karl’s romantic encounter with Jane and an encounter with a state trooper, before bringing Jane to Otto Maddox’s private suite above a controversial performance art show.
At this point, Hannity unleashes Project Zoltan gas on the crowd, causing the zombies to become violently aggressive. Karl, feeling protective, calls off the deal with Otto, who is furious. Moments later, Jane chooses to leave with Otto, which angers Karl—especially when he confesses she is not the real Zelvirella. Their confrontation is cut short when an undead Mother Theresa appears and kills Otto. During the chaos, Don manages to escape with a briefcase full of Otto’s money, but is soon overwhelmed by zombies on the show floor.
In a dramatic climax, Hannity captures Jane while Stanley, revealing himself as an undercover agent, unmasks Hannity and takes him at gunpoint. Freddy, in a heroic act, breaks Hannity’s neck only for Hannity to resurrect as a zombie and shoot Freddy. Maggie then intervenes decisively by decapitating Hannity with a buzzsaw, ending his rampage. In the chaos, Stanley steals the briefcase but gets bitten and turns into a zombie himself.
The story culminates in a world turned upside down; the viral effects of Hannity’s gas have led to what appears to be a global zombie apocalypse. Two weeks later, Karl, Maggie, Freddy, and Jane are surviving in a diner owned by Freddy’s uncle Dave, avoiding arrest for the supposed bioterrorist attack. Meanwhile, Stanley wanders the wasteland, still clutching the briefcase, as chaos reigns around them, with Mrs. Neard and Rocco among the few who survive in this new, post-apocalyptic landscape.
We Are Zombies Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction to a world with docile zombies” to “Post-apocalyptic survival”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Introduction to a world with docile zombies
The movie opens in a world where humans coexist peacefully with zombies, who are considered second-class citizens due to their 'living-impaired' status. Maggie Neard, a small-time thief, intercepts a call to collect an unwanted zombie from the Coleman Corporation's Retirement Services for the Living-Impaired. This sets the scene for the conflict involving zombie treatment and illegal activities.
- 2
Maggie and the zombie pick-up
Maggie’s accomplice, Karl, and his friend Freddy, retrieve a zombie from the McKenna residence while posing as official collectors. During the pickup, the zombie bites a family member, forcing them to decapitate it to prevent further harm. The crew receives half payment from Don due to the damage caused during the incident.
Where:McKenna residence
- 3
Hannity's reprimand
Hannity, a strict officer for the Coleman Corporation, criticizes Stanley and Rocco for repeatedly allowing Maggie and her crew to interfere with their zombie collection assignments. He orders them to recover the $25,000 they are owed, highlighting internal conflicts within the organization.
- 4
Freddy's romantic confession
Freddy confesses to Karl that he wants to propose to Maggie with a flashy ring, revealing his longstanding crush on her. Karl, skeptical, points out Freddy and Maggie have not even dated, leading to a teasing argument where Freddy insults Karl's habits.
- 5
Capture and zombie accident
While confronting Karl and Freddy, Rocco accidentally shoots himself during the altercation, turning into a zombie. This incident prompts discussions about the dangers they face, especially since the crew is already in trouble with the law for their activities.
- 6
Ransom demand and crime escalation
Karl, Maggie, and Freddy discover that Stanley and Rocco have kidnapped Mrs. Neard to blackmail for ransom. Desperate for money, they seek out Otto Maddox to steal the corpse of actress Debbie Jones, aiming to earn $50,000 from this illicit job.
- 7
Coleman's Project Zoltan and its failure
Hannity presents 'Project Zoltan,' a gas designed to reengineer zombies, which disastrously causes test subjects' heads to explode. The project is initially terminated by Coleman, but after the CEO's death and subsequent zombie resurrection, Hannity uses the opportunity to push his control over the company.
- 8
Zombie investigation at cemetery
The team infiltrates Country Hill Cemetery searching for Debbie Jones's body but finds it's too skeletal to reanimate. Maggie recognizes Stanley as her ex-boyfriend on a call for ransom, and rioting zombies are unleashed on the scene after the Project Zoltan gas is deployed, turning the environment chaotic.
Where:Country Hill Cemetery
- 9
Scheme to replace Debbie Jones
Unable to reanimate Debbie due to her skeletal remains, Karl suggests using Jane, an undead online sex performer who resembles Zelvirella, to stand in for Debbie. The group persuades Jane to come with them for their plan amidst a series of misadventures and police encounters.
- 10
Climactic chaos at the art show
During Otto Maddox's performance art show, the zombies turn violent after Hannity releases the gas. Don escapes with Otto's money, and a series of fights ensue involving zombies, including the undead Mother Theresa, who kills Otto. Jane steals a briefcase as chaos unfolds.
Where:Otto Maddox's performance art show
Show the other 3 events of We Are Zombies Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Framing as bioterrorists and Hannity's downfall
The main characters are wrongly framed as bioterrorists following the zombie attack. Hannity is unmasked and captured, leading to an altercation where Freddy breaks his neck, but Hannity resurrects as a zombie and kills Freddy. Maggie decapitates Hannity in self-defense.
- 12
Stanley's betrayal and transformation
Stanley, revealed to be disguised as one of Hannity's henchmen, unmasks and threatens Hannity at gunpoint. After an intense fight, Freddy kills Hannity, who then reanimates as a zombie and shoots Freddy. Stanley steals the briefcase but gets bitten and turns into a zombie.
- 13
Post-apocalyptic survival
Two weeks later, the group survives in a diner after the world has become a zombie wasteland due to Hannity's viral gas. They navigate this new harsh environment with Maggie, Karl, Freddy, Jane, Mrs. Neard, and Rocco, while Stanley wanders the devastated landscape still holding the briefcase.
When:Two weeks after the main events Where:A diner and the wasteland
Who Are the Main Characters in We Are Zombies?
4 characters, among them Chelsea Lee (Teneisha Collins), Mrs. Neard (Clare Coulter) and Freddy Mercks (Derek Johns): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Chelsea Lee (Teneisha Collins)
Played by Teneisha Collins
Chelsea is a dynamic character involved in the unfolding chaos. Her interactions suggest she's resourceful and caught in the midst of zombie-related conflicts. Her role may involve resistance or survival, reflecting resilience amidst societal breakdown.
- 💪 resilient
- 💃 resourceful
- 🧟♀️ survivor
-
Mrs. Neard (Clare Coulter)
Played by Clare Coulter
Mrs. Neard is the elderly relative of Karl Neard, who becomes a zombie after being accidentally shot. Her character symbolizes family bonds and innocence lost in the chaos, and her transformation highlights the personal toll of the zombie outbreak.
- 👵 family
- 😢 tragic
- 🧟♀️ undead
- FM
Freddy Mercks (Derek Johns)
Played by Derek Johns
Freddy is a humorous and impulsive character, driven by romantic ideals and quick to act. His resilience and loyalty make him a key survivor, even as he navigates the chaos of the zombie apocalypse.
- 😂 humorous
- 💘 romantic
- 🧟♂️ survivor
- KN
Karl Neard (Alexandre Nachi)
Played by Alexandre Nachi
Karl is a pragmatic and resourceful character, often trying to reason with the chaos around him. His fascination with online sex performer Zelvirella contrasts with his practical approach to survival.
- 🎯 pragmatic
- 🤳 tech-savvy
- 🧟♂️ reluctant hero
Where and When Is We Are Zombies Set?
We Are Zombies is set in Coleman Corporation, Country Hill Cemetery, private suite above Otto Maddox's… (Present day or near future). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day or near future
The events of the movie are set in a contemporary timeframe, with modern technology and societal structures. The storyline involves recent advancements and experiments related to zombies, indicating a setting close to the current era.
Where
Coleman Corporation, Country Hill Cemetery, private suite above Otto Maddox's show, diner owned by Uncle Dave
The movie takes place in various locations including the Coleman Corporation, which is involved in zombie management and research, and a cemetery where bodies are temporarily stored. Parts of the story unfold in Otto Maddox's private performance art suite, highlighting a surreal and chaotic environment. The final survival setting is a modest diner in a wasteland, emphasizing the post-apocalyptic scenario.
- 🏢 Corporate
- ⚰️ Cemetery
- 🎭 Art scene
- 🍽️ Diner
What Are the Themes of We Are Zombies?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Zombies and Greed and corruption.
-
01
Zombies
The film explores the theme of zombie existence, examining both their biological nature and societal perception. The zombies are depicted as 'living-impaired' but capable of violence, reflecting fears of dehumanization and the potential chaos of uncontrolled undead creatures. It combines horror with satire of corporate and social issues surrounding the undead.
-
02
Greed and corruption
The story highlights corporate greed, with the Coleman Corporation experimenting on zombies for profit and control. The pursuit of wealth leads to dangerous experiments and reckless decisions, emphasizing themes of moral compromised for monetary gain. The characters' desperation further underscores the corrupting influence of money.
What Kind of Film Is We Are Zombies?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A fast-paced, chaotic dark comedy that juggles corporate satire and zombie mayhem, creating an absurd and anxious atmosphere as a trio of misfits battles against a grim, collapsing world.
- chaotic
- bizarre
- anxious
- satirical
- gritty
- absurd
- zombie apocalypse
- corporate greed
- desperate rescue
- found family
Content notes: gore, zombie violence, kidnapping, decapitation, biological weapon.
Quiz
How well do you remember We Are Zombies? Test yourself on the story.
