A playful take on the tired zombie genre, Life After Beth sees I Heart Huckabees co-writer Jeff Baena blend a love story, slow-burn apocalyptic action and hilariously dark comedy.
Aubrey Plaza (from Parks and Recreation) stars as Beth, who suffers a fatal snakebite hiking in Los Angeles. Her death leaves her boyfriend Zach (Dane DeHaan) in a pit of despair – no matter that Beth had been close to breaking up with him before her demise. Zach relies on Beth’s parents as his emotional crutch during the grieving process – they soon stop returning his calls or letting him in the house.
He discovers Beth has been resurrected, and decides to tolerate her increasingly carnivorous desires in return for another chance at romantic bliss.
The fearless and funny Plaza throws herself into the role of Beth, whose growing appetite manifests as insatiable sexuality, uncontrollable rage and unconquerable strength. She sparks brilliantly off the comically vulnerable DeHaan.
As the zombie infestation spreads, Baena’s writing, alas, becomes thinner and the action peters out. Life After Beth has some bite, but it’s not quite sharp enough to leave a mark.