Watch Anna and the Apocalypse

Anna and the Apocalypse is a 2017 British horror comedy musical film directed by John McPhail. The film features an ensemble cast of young actors, including Ella Hunt as the titular character Anna, Malcolm Cumming as her best friend John, and Sarah Swire as Stephanie. The film starts on a seemingly normal day in the small town of Little Haven, just days before Christmas. Anna is a high school senior who is eagerly preparing for graduation, and John is her socially awkward best friend who harbors a secret crush on her. Meanwhile, Stephanie is the local school reporter who dreams of making it big in the world of journalism.

However, things take a turn for the worse when a deadly virus begins to spread across the town, turning its citizens into bloodthirsty zombies. Anna, John, Stephanie, and a group of other survivors are forced to band together and fight their way through hordes of undead in order to make it to safety.

What sets Anna and the Apocalypse apart from other zombie films is its unique approach to the genre. While the film certainly has its fair share of gore and violence, it also features lively song and dance numbers that are reminiscent of classic musicals. The juxtaposition of cheery musical numbers with scenes of brutal violence might seem jarring at first, but it ultimately works to create a sense of chaotic energy that only adds to the film's charm.

Ella Hunt shines in the role of Anna, imbuing the character with equal parts charm and courage. Malcolm Cumming is also great as John, a character who could have easily become a one-dimensional stereotype but instead is given depth and nuance. Sarah Swire brings a fun energy to the film as Stephanie, playing the character with a snarky wit that will have audiences laughing out loud.

The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Paul Kaye as the megalomaniacal headmaster Savage, Mark Benton as Anna's protective father, and Ben Wiggins as the quirky and lovable Chris.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its music. The original songs, written by Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly, are catchy and fun, with lyrics that are often tongue-in-cheek. From the opening number "Christmas Means Nothing Without You" to the climactic "Soldier At War", the songs are expertly woven into the narrative and help to elevate the film above mere novelty.

The film does have its flaws, however. At times, the pacing can feel uneven, with the musical numbers sometimes feeling jarring and out of place. Additionally, some of the characters feel underdeveloped, with little to no backstory or motivation. But these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things, and overall the film is an enjoyable and unique addition to the zombie genre.

Ultimately, Anna and the Apocalypse is a film that defies categorization. It's a musical, a comedy, a horror film, and a story of friendship and survival all wrapped into one. It's a film that takes risks and makes bold choices, and while not every one of those choices pays off, it's hard not to appreciate the creativity and energy that went into making it. Fans of musicals, horror films, and everything in between will find something to love in Anna and the Apocalypse.

Anna and the Apocalypse is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 63.