You know it’s going to be a fun ride when your film of choice launches with a small child being obliterated by a speeding car. Apparently writer/director Wes Young is as morbid as myself, and harbors some similar thoughts, because that’s exactly how DEAD EXIT gets started – with a grizzly splash that intentionally fails to subside throughout the course of the picture. I think the simple tag “Here We Go” would have fit this picture snug.
After a wonderfully senseless child murder, we are introduced to our three protagonists, two men, and a young girl – on the road, seeking shelter from a steadily increasing band of flesh eating ghouls. After running into some car problems (watch out for children – they’ll do more damage to your ride than you might expect!) the trio abandon their vehicle and head for a nearby building, which may or may not provide an adequate hideaway. The three reach lodging, but discover that this is no sanctuary, as there’s a zombie parade quickly nipping at the heels of these few survivors.
Attempts to keep these abominations at bay prove volatile. The undead force their way inside, and it’s up to the trio to escape a corner they’ve inevitably backed themselves into. There’s plenty of blasting, bashing and blood spray as the group fight desperately to evacuate, extremities intact. Unfortunately, the men don’t fair so well, and one by one become hearty meals for a clan of decaying flesh chompers. Our youngest survivor, now alone amongst a sea of cannibalistic corpses manages to get herself to the safest possible place: the roof. But sometimes, liberation is a lonely summit… helping only to prolong the inevitable.
With the help of Ryan Goff, Bob Herron and Randy Foos, Wes Young has crafted an enjoyable piece of film which begins on a memorably bleak note, and ends just the same. What transpires in between alpha and omega is a fast paced, humorous and often bloody joyride. Some clever dialogue is exchanged early in the film, but as the situation becomes dire, humor gives way to a frantic anxiety that Bob Herron, Randy Foos and Mackenzie Goff portray convincingly. They’re all likeable characters, but I’ve got to admit, the youngest of the bunch, Mackenzie Goff really steals the show. Young is sound behind the camera, and does a grand job of editing the film (especially when considering such low production values). Meanwhile, the unheralded hero Jeff Duran compiles a beautiful score that seems to tie the picture together perfectly; not a seam to be scene. My only complaint: at a meager 20 minutes running time I myself was left wanting much, much more!
I’ll tell you, getting the chance to catch the first screening of DEAD EXIT was a lot of fun. The cast and crew were warm, approachable guys (and gals) who shared an evident, but clearly strong, and sincere excitement about their film. Director Wes Young was particularly out-going, and open to answering any questions tossed his way.
“Ryan Goff came to me and said he was tired of seeing so many bad short zombie films and he wanted to really put together something that was more of a traditional and well made zombie flick. We set off on a goal to follow some strict rules and make a film. We call it “The Dead EXIT Difference” in which we state all the rules we promise to follow to bring everyone a better zombie movie. Ryan had a great concept and characters and it got me interested in making it. I have shot several short films and one feature film “The Shadow Asset” so he was confident that I could pull off what he ultimately wanted and the idea of doing a zombie movie got me excited.” Wes informed me when asked what compelled him to make a zombie feature.
As for those “Dead EXIT Differences“ – well, Wes quick to break that down, informing me that…
“We will not… •Let a main character commit suicide at the end of the film to avoid writing a proper conclusion. •Use our backyard or home as “the location” for the film. •Place zombie makeup only on the actors face, leaving the neck, arms, etc. exposed •Cast all the principal actors and extras with high school and/or junior high school students •Subject you to any form of written or spoken narration. •Have our actors use the word zombie. •Turn characters into walking arsenals just because airsoft guns are reasonably priced. •Show “smart” zombies that use tools, open door, etc. •Provide a hackneyed explanation of the zombie outbreak and infestation. •Make a “soundtrack” consisting of poorly selected, copyrighted speed metal tracks “ Such strict, yet enticing guidelines!
Everyone involved was ecstatic, and truly anxious to voice their opinions, and tell their tales… but there was an aura about the room that seemed almost tangible. An aura I just couldn’t shake, and I’ll admit I had difficulty putting my finger on it initially, and then I saw it… and knew: it was the combination of the tall-can of Pabst Blue Ribbon actor Bob Herron entered the building sipping from, and my bout with an unquenchable thirst… Either way, it was a great night – this Misfire Productions crew clearly show a load of promise!
OVERALL SUMMARY
Dead Exit a shocking short film that packs more than a single punch.
