The world (as we know it) was taken by storm in 2004 with the release of Edgar Wright’sShaun of the Dead, the wacky and hilarious film that’s been labeled the first “Rom-Zom-Com.” Despite this moniker, however, I’ve come to realize after 21 years that the movie isn’t a rom-com at all, and instead a coming-of-age tale in zombie’s clothing.
Indeed,Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s chemistry as late-20s slackers sellsShaun of the Dead’s narrative, thrusting these manchildren into extreme life-or-death situations. Thus, besides beingone of the greatest foreign zombie moviesandone of the few films to make the undead hilarious, Edgar Wright’s directorial debut offers a thrilling story full of heart, laughs, and plenty of gore.
At the beginning ofShaun of the Dead, our protagonist, Shaun (Simon Pegg), is an underachieving electronics store salesman living with his loafer roommate Ed (Nick Frost), whom—based on the current trajectory of his life—appears destined for a lifetime of mediocrity on the quiet, unassuming streets of London.
That is, until the zombie apocalypse breaks out. Forced to examine his life choices after his girlfriend breaks up with him,Shaun gets a chance at redemption amid the chaos in the U.K., organizing a courageous rescue mission and acting truly heroic.
Furthermore,the undead swarms also drive Shaun to confront the ills around him, including his strained relationship with Liz (Kate Ashfield), his stepfather, and Ed. Thus, the crux ofShaun of the Deadlies not in its rom-com narrative or the film’s witty, zombified antics—it’s the deadly stakes that force Shaun to grow up and take his future more seriously.
Indeed, life-threatening situations often bring out either the best or the worst in people, and Shaun falls comfortably into the former as the film’s unlikely hero.
What’s unique aboutShaun of the Dead’s place in “The Cornetto Trilogy” is its status as a witty coming-of-age story, sinceHot Fuzzdeals more with work identity whileThe World’s Endfocuses on midlife crises. Plus, as a story about adulthood,the film is also about bridging the gap between childishness and responsibilitywithout losing what makes youth precious.
Shaun of the Dead,Hot Fuzz, andThe World’s Endare known as “The Cornetto Trilogy” since the Italian ice cream brand is heavily featured in all three films.
At the end of the day,Shaun of the Deadis a remarkable film for many reasons (including its classic opening scene, which is easily the best in the Cornetto Trilogy), but one element that’s often overlooked is its role asa story about growing up and learning to live one’s life to the fullest.
