Generation Z review – this fun zombie Brexit satire is like The Walking Dead’s oddest spin-off yet
In a peaceful village, a truck tips over and spills a cargo that you definitely wouldn’t want to see spread around. It’s the kind of opening that I love for a zombie film—although, in this case, it’s a TV series created by Ben Wheatley. Before long, we’re diving headfirst into a bloody adventure.
The unexpected twist in this typical storyline is that the initial victims of the infection are elderly individuals, specifically those living in two nursing homes. Cecily (played by Sue Johnston) is the first case in one home, while her friend Frank (Paul Bentall) represents the other. Surprisingly, instead of becoming sicker, the infection actually improves their condition. These zombies are articulate, strategic, and on a mission to savor fresh human flesh. They form a group that roams through a nearby forest, targeting cyclists, hikers, dog owners, and—watch out, pet lovers—even dogs. I doubt Bentall, despite his extensive career, ever imagined that he'd one day list "Punching through a dog and using it as a weapon" on his résumé.
The young generation is fully immersed in their youth, enjoying late nights at clubs, lamenting their crushes that go unreturned, engaging in questionable romantic encounters, and buying drugs from a retired man named Morgan, played by the talented Robert Lindsay. This character runs a marijuana operation in his basement and has a room filled with CCTV cameras and lab gear, a remnant of his activist days. If your quiet town suddenly faces an invasion of flesh-eating zombies, this is the guy to turn to, especially when your grandmother gets a little too close for comfort and could end up trying to take a bite out of you before your unreciprocated love “takes care” of her with a crossbow.
The group of young individuals includes Kelly (Buket Kömür), who manages to escape from the grasp of a demanding grandmother (Anita Dobson, clearly enjoying her role as Janine the most); Stef (Lewis Gribben), an enthusiastic crossbow user and a follower of a harmful online influencer, yet he has a genuinely kind nature; Charlie (Jay Lycurgo), who is Kelly's former partner; Billy (Ava Hinds-Jones), Charlie’s sister, who is part of the team sent to the village when Westminster realizes that a secret has been leaked; and Finn (Viola Prettejohn), who stands out with her boldness and sharp wit, becoming the only character who evolves beyond a mere background figure throughout the six episodes.
Alright! We see the older generation taking advantage of the younger ones, claiming things like, “Why shouldn’t I indulge? I’ve faced a lot of injustice... What’s wrong with wanting what I deserve?” Meanwhile, the younger folks are desperately trying to find solutions and repair the harm being inflicted. If zombie movies often reflect societal issues, what might Generation Z be looking to highlight? That’s right, it’s Brexit!
The infection gives elderly people the chance to feel youthful again, to regain control over their bodies, and to chase after their desires without regard for anyone else—even their grandchildren. This illustrates just how selfish a harmful substance (or concept) can make a person.
The effects of Covid are still felt. Students are forced to take their A-level exams unexpectedly, even during the pandemic; protective masks don’t make it in time to safeguard soldiers as they explore the blood-stained retirement homes while attempting to help civilians; and lockdowns are enforced.
There are an excessive number of side stories that lack connection and dilute the overall suspense. Among these are several conspiracy theories, one of which involves Charlie's mom's boyfriend attempting to break into county lines drug trafficking, a plot point that consumes much more screen time than it warrants.
The episodes in the middle of the series feel stretched out, and the shifts in tone can be off-putting. At times, the atmosphere resembles the serious nuclear-war film Threads, while at other moments, it leans toward the comedic vibes of Shaun of the Dead. Occasionally, it feels like we’re watching a poorly conceived spin-off of The Walking Dead. It’s a missed opportunity that the parents of the teenagers barely get any screen time, especially with talented actors like Johnny Vegas and T’Nia Miller available to shine.
However, it starts and finishes on a high note, generating enough positive vibes to help you get through the slower sections. You'll need a moment to bounce back from the dog incident too. The humor and underlying message are quite direct (at one point, things get really intense), and it becomes even clearer when Cecily and Janine begin to clash over the leave – or rather zombie – group, debating whether they should prioritize their own desires regardless of the consequences, nearly transforming the performance into a platform for protest. But it's enjoyable. In fact, it's definitely more entertaining than Brexit.
