Release Date: September 26th, 2009
Official Site: Here
Trailer: Here
Let me just start out by admitting that I, like many of you, love a good zombie film. There's just something about the walking undead that lends itself to everything from social commentary to comedy. In fact, I'd have to say that it may just be my favorite sub-genre of horror films; right next to slashers.
However, the problem with zombie movies is that almost everyone seems to think that they can make one. Because of that, a lot of low-budget, independent productions are quick to jump on the zombie bandwagon, and unfortunately, a lot of them miss their mark. And, when zombie movies are bad, they tend to be really bad...
Luckily, that scenario is the complete opposite of what Chemical 12-D, the latest short film from writer/director Mac Eldridge, achieves.
The film's story goes a little something like this:
Chemical 12-D takes place in a world that appears to be overrun by people suffering from some kind of infection. However, this infection is not the type that kills them. Instead, it causes them to "mutate" into zombies that mindlessly roam through the neighborhoods they once lived in.
Michael Frank (Bill Stoneking) drives through these same neighborhoods, looking for subjects on which to test an experimental drug; referred to simply as "Chemical 12-D." However, while each test brings him closer to the answers he seeks, it may also be his last...Chemical 12-D may be a short film (it clocks in at a little under eight minutes), but what it lacks in running time, it certainly makes up for in quality and creativity.
The first thing that I noticed about the film was it's impressive production values. You can really tell that Eldridge and the others working on the film put every dollar they had into making it look good. The picture seemed to have a subtle blueish tint to it that helped convey the bleak atmosphere, and colors in the film stand in stark contrast to one another (especially the reds and greens), making for a very nice visual look. The set-pieces were also very well done-up; especially Frank's makeshift lab, which feels very dark and oppressive compared to the outside world around it.
The visual effects were also extremely well-done in the movie. The zombie makeup was great, and it looked very believable. Eldridge put a slight spin on the classic zombie look, but it really works here. These aren't just people walking around moaning with gray paint on their face. There are sickly looking veins covering their bodies, and their skin has a yellowish tint to it, much like a bad bruise that is healing.
For you gore-hounds out there, don't worry... There's plenty of the red stuff to be found in the movie. We get zombies being cut open, guts hanging out of bodies, and blood smeared all over just about everything. And, the best part is that all of it appears to have been done physically, which lends it a very realistic look. Eldridge definitely had a great makeup effects team on this one.Another huge stand-out here is Rob Davis' original score for the film. I noticed it almost immediately after the film started, and it provides the perfect accompaniment to the film's visuals. It has a very haunting quality to it and it does a wonderful job adding to the piece's bleak atmosphere. I've always said that a great score can do a lot for a movie, and this one is a fine example.
While there are only a few characters in the film, all of the actors did a great job. Stoneking is the one who has the most to do here, and he successfully creates a character who is both sympathetic and cold at once. Wesley Klepac also does a good job playing the child zombie in the film. A lot of times, younger kids can give very distracting performances in films, but Klepac doesn't make you question his character one bit, and he does a great job here. The same goes for Kelli Clevenger, who plays the mother that is obviously torn apart by what is happening to her child.
All in all, I was thoroughly impressed with Eldridge's film. Chemical 12-D stands as a testament to what independent zombie films (and independent films in general) can achieve if they do things right. What we get here is a film that not only plays well as a low-budget zombie short, but one that plays well as a dramatic piece too.Apparently, the film won the Audience Award at the Chicago Filmmakers Citywide Film Fest, and I'd have to say that it is highly deserving. In fact, I think it just might be the best short film I've seen in a few years. That being said, if you get the chance to watch this film, I highly recommend that you do so. I have no idea when or if it will get wide distribution (the copy I have is a screener), but I heard that Eldridge's company, Water Cooler Productions, sold some limited-run DVDs of the film not too long ago. Hopefully they will make them available again, and if they do, I will be sure to let you know.
Regardless, I really hope this is not the last we hear of Eldridge. Hopefully, someone will take notice of his talents and put up some cash for him to make a longer film, as I'd love to see what he could do with a feature-length movie. However, if he keeps on turning out shorts like this, I have the feeling that won't take long...
Verdict
4 out of 5
