‘Queens Of The Dead’ Review – Tina Romero Reinvents The Zombie Genre With Glamour And Guts

The Romero name holds tremendous weight not just within the horror landscape but in film as a whole. Not only is George A. Romero the father of the zombie genre, he’s also the father of Tina Romero, who is following in his footsteps to deliver her own unique take on undead horror. Filled with the glitz and glamour of larger-than-life drag queens, Romero weaves the highs and lows of the lives that queer people live into her debut feature, Queens of the Dead. Unapologetically itself from head to toe, and offering a heartfelt reflection on the treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals, it’s a film with all the makings of the next horror cult classic.

From the start, Queens of the Dead introduces audiences to a modern world that’s completely distracted. Whether it’s sermons from a closeted man of God or doom-scrolling through dating apps, everyone is plugged into their own little bubbles—making it alarmingly easy for a zombie apocalypse to appear out of nowhere. Romero doesn’t shy away from using religion as the catalyst for this undead scourge, and her ability to explore issues faced by marginalized communities in a humorously heartwarming way gives Queens of the Dead many of its standout moments.

The dazzling design of Romero’s zombies sets them apart immediately: sickly green glittering skin, sunken facial features, and flamboyant drag costumes make them as stylish as they are grotesque—sometimes even indistinguishable in the dim glow of nighttime. For Dre (Katy O’Brian), this could spell disaster on an important night at her club. As the film progresses, jumping from one zombie attack to another, it becomes clear that survival will require all walks of life: from Sam (Jaquel Spivey), a lively nurse struggling with stage fright in their drag persona, to a reluctant plumber (Quincy Dunn-Baker), and many more in between. It’s refreshing that Romero doesn’t focus solely on one character, but instead shows how preconceived notions can fall away once we truly get to know one another.

Queens of the Dead boasts many killer performances—some with more screen time than others—but all leave a lasting impression. Sam and Dre are given substantial arcs, culminating in a touching moment during the film’s climax. Sam, one of the best drag performers around, is hesitant to continue her life on stage, choosing instead to dedicate herself to saving lives as a caregiver. Dre is a go-getter, and O’Brian, as charming as ever, brings warmth to her portrayal of a workaholic trying to keep her club alive. Romero provides plenty of bickering between big personalities, with Nina West and Tomás Matos stealing every scene they’re in. The cast being filled with mostly queer talent is refreshing; it allows each performance to feel real, especially during its emotional heights.

Romero’s writing shines brightest during the film’s intimate, character-driven moments. She highlights real dangers faced by the communities represented onscreen—such as when transgender individuals reveal the medical discrimination they encounter, forcing them to seek care in unsafe, underground settings. Yet she also focuses on the victories, including a sweet celebration of new life, even as a horde of zombies lingers in the background. The humor lands with a campy, tongue-in-cheek charm that carries the film through its slower beats. However, for a horror-comedy, there isn’t much horror outside of the occasional arm-chomp. Ironically, the zombies end up being the least interesting part of an otherwise wildly entertaining film.

For a small-budget production, Queens of the Dead is a visual treat—especially during its musical numbers, where queens light up the stage at Dre’s club. The lighting is dynamic, with purples, pinks, and blues making the chrome-like zombie skin shine like disco balls. The sets feel grounded and authentically grimy, particularly the dance floor, the bar area, and the back rooms crawling with rats. But the crown jewel is the costuming and makeup—Nina West sports a series of meticulously crafted outfits tailored to her drag persona. And while the zombies might be more glam than grotesque, it’s a polished and memorable look that’s bound to inspire plenty of Halloween costumes.

Romero doesn’t shy away from leaving this film open to sequels, and its cliffhanger ending is more exciting than frustrating. Its blend of genres makes for a comedy that is good for lots of laughs while also helping educate on real-world dangers to queer people. The film wears its homages to the father of zombies while also carving out a unique sliver in the horror landscape for itself. It’s refreshing in a world of legacy sequels and needless reboots; Queens of the Dead is a fabulous breath of fresh air.

Queens of the Dead is a uniquely hilarious horror-comedy and a promising debut from Tina Romero. The lived-in performances make it an easy, enjoyable watch—even if the zombies lack the gore fans might expect. Their dazzling design more than makes up for it. With its timeless themes of acceptance and identity, there’s no doubt this film will find its cult audience.

Queens of the Dead will debut exclusively in theaters on October 24, 2025, courtesy of Independent Film Company.