Life After Beth
Starring Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, John C. Reilly
Directed by Jeff Baena
Fingers crossed, we’re in the declining days of the zombie film renaissance. Like the vampire renaissance before it, the zombie renaissance has examined the undead from every angle: As a slapstick device; as a shadowy Big Bad; as a terrifying wave of face-eating CG predators.
Enter Life After Beth, a low-budget gem that marks the directorial debut of I Heart Huckabees scribe Jeff Baena. This film deserves the last word in zombie film fare (until there’s something new to say).
Life After Beth opens after its titular character (Aubrey Plaza) dies in a freak snakebite accident. As Beth’s parents (John C. Reilly and Molly Shannon) weep and box up her belongings, her boyfriend, Zach (Dane DeHaan, The Amazing Spider-Man 2) struggles to move on – until Beth shows up a little less than dead (but not quite alive).
Baena’s take on zombies is refreshing. His undead enjoy smooth jazz and human flesh with equal zeal and reveal that hilarious existential crises aren’t just for the living. It’s zombie fare for the Arrested Development set, and the casting supports Baena’s quirky vision. Plaza – who shines as a zombie in the throes of a downward spiral – is a familiar face from Parks & Recreation. Zach’s parents are portrayed by Cheryl Hines and Paul Reiser. Anna Kendrick and Matthew Gray Gubler make big impacts in small roles.
And DeHaan expertly marries his character’s angst with relatable earnestness.
The visual and special effects are minimal but effective. If the zombie film renaissance ends with Life After Beth, it’s a satisfying death indeed.
