DVD Review : Zombie Girl : A Horror Documentary

I recently got the chance to review a radass little film called Zombie Girl. It is an independent documentary made right here in Austin, TX. The documentary covers the story of a twelve year old girl named Emily making her own Zombie Movie. And this isn't some wunderkid from Hollywood who is shooting in Austin at Austin Studios. No, this is the story of a twelve year old girl making a horror movie on zero budget and with her parents help. The same sort of kid you see next door video taping their dog on a skateboard.

Except their is one big difference.  This twelver year old has a script. And actors. And actually finishes a project that she starts. (Something a ton of adult filmmakers here in Austin don't do). Also as much as this is a story about someone who loves films making her own film, it's a look at what supportive parents can mean to children. I half-expected her mom to be a "stage mom" type, but it's pretty clear that Emily is the force behind the project -- which leaves her mom wearing the hats of producer, chaueffeur, costume and effects designer, and all-around support staff. Mom definitely lets Emily make her own movie, but she's not afraid to slip on the "executive producer" suit when production goes over-schedule and the actors have to get home for supper.

In reviewing documentaries it's sometimes hard to seperate the story being told from the film being made. In this case I enjoyed the blurring of lines. The cinematography of the documentary was well done and it didn't seem like the documentary crowd was helping Emily too much. Just reporting the facts, which is how it should be.

My only complaint with this DVD would be it  had no special features at all and really no menu to speak off. I think it was more of a screener. When they do start to sell this on DVD they need to include the finished Zombie Film from Emily as one of the special features. It was almost impossible to watch this Documentary and then NOT get to see the final product.

Overall I give this documentary a B+. If you can find it on DVD be sure to rent it or buy it if you are a horror fan. It's no Behind The Mask but it's a good one.