The Definitive Review: Anna And The Apocalypse - Barry Waldo's Unique Take on a Christmas Zombie Musical

It's that time of the year again when holiday-themed films dominate the box office. But wait! Have you ever experienced a Christmas movie mashed up with elements of a zombie apocalypse? If not, get ready to enjoy the ride as we dive into the wonderful chaos that is Anna and The Apocalypse.

Anna and The Apocalypse is a musical comedy-horror film released in 2017 that was directed by John McPhail. Based on the BAFTA-winning short film Zombie Musical, the movie takes place in the fictional town of Little Haven during the festive season. It follows the journey of Anna Shepherd (portrayed by Ella Hunt),a high school student who finds herself in the middle of an unexpected zombie outbreak.

Blending vibrant musical numbers, laughter, and heart-pounding zombie encounters, Anna and The Apocalypse is a unique cinematic experience that delivers unexpected thrills, catchy songs, and surprisingly emotional moments that will leave you wanting more.

Anna and the Apocalypse

by Barry Waldo(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3531 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Plot: A Christmas Adventure with a Twist

The movie revolves around Anna Shepherd, a teenager who dreams of traveling, leaving her hometown behind. However, her plans abruptly change when a zombie virus spreads throughout Little Haven, threatening to destroy everything in its path - including the Christmas spirit.

Packed with moments of humor, romance, and unexpected twists, the film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. As the outbreak worsens, Anna and her friends battle the undead while trying to reach their loved ones and find safety amidst the chaos. The plot ingeniously interweaves sensational musical sequences, both upbeat and haunting, showcasing characters pouring their hearts out through song and dance.

What sets Anna and The Apocalypse apart from other zombie movies is its exploration of the human spirit amid the most extraordinary circumstances. The characters demonstrate resilience, friendship, and determination as they strive to save themselves and each other.

The Characters: From Innocence to Tenacity

Ella Hunt shines in her role as Anna Shepherd, portraying a young woman torn between her dreams and the responsibilities thrust upon her. Anna's character evolves throughout the film, showcasing her strength, wit, and compassion. As a protagonist, she anchors the story, making us root for her survival as she fights against hordes of zombies.

Other notable characters in this thrilling ensemble cast include Steph (played by Sarah Swire),Anna's best friend, who brings depth and relatability to the movie. She struggles with her sexuality and her desire to break free from societal norms.

John (played by Malcolm Cumming),Anna's longtime friend, adds humor and heart to the story. Malcolm's phenomenal acting highlights John's journey from an introverted artist to a brave and resourceful ally in the fight against the undead.

Meanwhile, Chris (Christopher Leveaux) and Lisa (Marli Siu) provide comic relief throughout the film, providing light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments.

The Music: Songs That Stay with You

One of the most impressive aspects of Anna and The Apocalypse is its stellar musical numbers. With music and lyrics by Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly, the film features an astonishing, genre-bending soundtrack that covers a wide array of emotions.

From the infectious energy of "Break Away" to the moving and heartfelt ballad "I Will Believe," each song serves a purpose, propelling the story forward while adding an extra layer of depth to the characters.

Special mention goes to the song "Soldier at War," a powerful ode to the realities of war sung by Sarah Swire. The emotional intensity of this performance leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the talents of the cast and the depth of the film's storytelling.

An Unconventional Christmas Movie

In a sea of predictable Christmas films, Anna and The Apocalypse stands out as a refreshingly unconventional option. The film expertly juggles elements of comedy, horror, music, and heartfelt drama, leaving audiences with a unique cinematic experience.

While the musical numbers keep the movie lighthearted and entertaining, the underlying themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of love and unity during challenging times turn Anna and The Apocalypse into much more than just a mere zombie flick.

Despite the grim premise of a zombie apocalypse, the film manages to capture the essence of Christmas, reminding viewers that hope can be found even in the darkest of circumstances. It explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a different perspective on the holiday season.

The Legacy of Anna And The Apocalypse

Released in late 2017, Anna and The Apocalypse has already gained a dedicated cult following, and for a good reason. It represents a bold and innovative approach to the Christmas movie genre, breathing new life into the undead trope.

Barry Waldo, the film's executive producer, played a pivotal role in bringing this unique concept to life. With his visionary spirit and determination, Waldo helped shape Anna and The Apocalypse into the must-see holiday musical that it is today.

The film has received critical acclaim for its originality and has successfully captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Its immersive storytelling, relatable characters, and unforgettable musical numbers make it a true gem for film enthusiasts seeking something different.

Anna and The Apocalypse is a cinematic triumph that successfully merges the worlds of Christmas cheer and flesh-eating zombies. With its infectious musical numbers, compelling characters, and unexpected emotional depth, it offers a refreshing take on the holiday movie genre.

Brace yourself to be enchanted, thrilled, and moved as you embark on this unforgettable zombie-filled adventure with Anna Shepherd and her friends. Barry Waldo's executive production expertise plays a significant role in bringing this unique story to the audience.

So, gather your loved ones this holiday season, dim the lights, and get ready to experience the magical chaos that is Anna and The Apocalypse: A Christmas Zombie Musical!

Anna and the Apocalypse

by Barry Waldo(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3531 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

School’s out for the end of the world.

Anna and the Apocalypse is a horror comedy about a teenager who faces down a zombie apocalypse with a little help from her friends.

Anna Shepherd is a straight-A student with a lot going on under the surface: she’s struggling with her mom’s death, total friend drama, and the fallout from wasting her time on a very attractive boy. She’s looking forward to skipping town after graduation—but then a zombie apocalypse majorly disrupts the holidays season. It’s going to be very hard to graduate high school without a brain.

To save the day, Anna, her friends, and her frenemies will have to journey straight to the heart of one of the most dangerous places ever known, a place famous for its horror, terror, and pain…high school.

This novel is inspired by the musical feature film, Anna and the Apocalypse—sing and slay along at home with the VOD release!

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