Stalled is one of those rare films that successfully manages to find the mysterious and often elusive blend of horror and humour. There are far more forgettably unsuccessful entries into the genre than there are Shaun Of The Dead’s (the shadowy benchmark by which all must reluctantly be judged) and anyone brave enough to seek this formula must be praised. Here though thankfully, writer and star Dan Palmer alongside director Christian James have created a film which ranks favourably alongside any of its predecessors, while still finding imaginative originality that makes Stalled a worthy entry into the zombie canon.
Lowly janitor W.C. (Palmer) has not been invited to the office Christmas party and is seemingly continuing on with his menial duties when he becomes trapped in the ladies toilets during a zombie outbreak. As preposterous a premise as this is, it provides the setting for an entertainingly self aware film that switches comfortably between lighter and darker moments with apparent ease, as if James is simply turning on and off the emergency lighting. Initially thinking he’s alone in his imprisonment, W.C. finds a strangely trusting and romantic relationship building with the mysterious female occupant of another cubicle as they are besieged by zombiefied partygoers.
That the basic plot outline can be summed in very few words is further proof of the strength of the writing and performances. With few characters and even less locations Stalled needed to rely on its wit and inventiveness and in doing so is without doubt a success. The humour is clever if self-deprecating in a very British way and certain scenes, including a bizarrely well played dance number, are perfectly judged. The tight budgets and even tighter set has focused the crew led by James into delivering a film with little wastage. There are no fillers, no unnecessary scenes elaborately woven to draw the film out and as such Stalled is a lean and “to the point” affair. You know all you need to know about the characters, their strengths and fears, without the need for fuss and foreplay, and James has expertly ensured that they remain as grounded and real as possible rather than become pipe wielding avengers bent on undead destruction.
If there is a complaint it is that at times the dialogue wistfully wanders into something slightly too sentimental. Occasional lines appear forced and were perhaps late additions, and risk detracting from what is a skilfully constructed film. This is extremely minor though and the good will that the film generates from the beginning carries it on towards a knowingly witty and satisfyingly ambiguous conclusion.
OVERALL SUMMARY
In short, Stalled is an unquestionably entertaining film that deserves the unavoidable, and perhaps lazy comparison with its more famous peer. Palmer and James have produced a film containing characters you will want to spend time with, and that deserves as wide an audience as possible. This is a respectful production containing familiar genre conventions mixed with wicked humour from cineliterate filmmakers who obviously love horror films.
