There's no denying the subversive nature of writer/director Lutz Geiger's animated zombie feature ApoKalypse, a film that manages to weave together both style and substance into a film that is just plain fun to watch. 

Tell me you don't want to watch this - "When a rat poison COVID "cure" transforms entitled mall shoppers into brain-dead zombies with Karen haircuts, a group of retail works must survive customer service's ultimate nightmare."

Indeed. I knew I had to watch. 

ApoKalypse isn't the kind of film you see at the multiplex. That's a shame, really. With its risk-taking visuals and spitfire dialogue, ApoKalypse takes chances that are rare in Hollywood these days and it does so with an abundance of dark humor, popping gore, and surprisingly thoughtful themes. The film has a retro vibe, yet it also feels incredibly relevant. 

The zombie outbreak in question takes place in Oklahoma. Apo (Chris Koehne) is a slacker/skateboarder with a free spirit and casual vibe. He works at the mall, I suppose because this story feels like it was tailor-made for a mall setting. He hangs with BFF Jamal (Ravin Wong). Ao Mikazuki is here and absolutely terrific as Cho, whose presence becomes essential to this rag-tag team dedicated to survival. 

The animation here feels like 90s cartoons, 2D is the name of the game with some occasional 3D strokes to emphasize the film's Bollesque dedication to absurd violence. In a special delight, Uwe Boll himself makes an appearance as Officer Boll. 

Man, I've missed Uwe Boll. 

Geiger makes some interesting, effective choices here both in the visuals and the storytelling. While not everyone wants a meaningful story with their zombie gore animation, for my money it makes the characters matter a bit more and got me just a wee bit more invested in the film's goings on. 

ApoKalypse may not be life-changing cinema, but it sure is entertaining cinema. Available via major streaming platforms via FilmHub, this is a film worth checking out for those prefer the edgier, more indie side of animated cinema. I do, and I sure had a lot of fun with this one. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic