Tina Romero, daughter of the legendary “father of the modern zombie” George A. Romero, makes her feature directorial debut this October with Queens of the Dead, a horror-comedy pitting undead hordes against a New York City drag show.
A Fresh Twist on the Undead
Moving away from the traditional tropes of the genre, Queens of the Dead injects high-energy drag culture into a classic survival scenario. The plot centers on a group of drag queens and partygoers trapped during a sudden zombie outbreak in New York City. The narrative splits its focus between the chaos unfolding inside a warehouse party and the mounting panic at a local hospital, delivering a unique spin on the survival formula established by the director’s father.
Stellar Cast and Social Commentary
The film features a standout cast including Katy O’Brian, Nina West, and Jack Haven. By blending humor with visceral horror, the movie honors the legacy of Night of the Living Dead—which famously used its zombie premise to explore human conflict and social tension—while updating the subtext for modern audiences.
The Perfect Halloween Release
The timing of the release feels particularly pointed. In a 2025 political climate where LGBTQ+ rights are under intense scrutiny, a film centered on a marginalized group fighting for survival against an encroaching “horde” carries a clear, defiant message. It is a fitting continuation of the Romero name, proving that the best zombie stories are those that mirror the anxieties of their time.
Queens of the Dead arrives in theaters on October 24, perfectly timed for the Halloween season.
