Invasion of the Not Quite Dead (2022) User Reviews

Certainly a film worth watching.....

[nokeeper · 8/10 · 1 November 2022]

Having been a backer of this film for many many years, I was thrilled to FINALLY get to view a "backers review". Firstly, the acting was top notch, the effects were super realistic and the editing/lighting etc was very professional. The storyline had an interesting premise promising homage to classic horror films that we all know and love.

Obviously, the limited budget was a hindrance but having said that, they certainly spent the limited funds well and in the right places (The atmospheric night time scenes were amazing).

It was somewhat dark in places (depression, anxiety) perhaps related to the Directors own issues during the filming? But MASSIVE kudos to Tony Lane for finally finishing the project!!!!

The film plays out well with the added bonus of a Wheatus soundtrack!

A decent film length (1:43:21) zipped by pretty quickly which is a good indication of my enjoyment of the film.

There is plenty to keep the horror fans interested , although I personally feel the gore scenes could have been a more graphic (just me) and it can feel quite " talky" in between the gory set pieces.

The Zombie effects in the latter half of the movie are outstanding and scence later on with a "possible" reference to Zombie Flesh Eaters?, or certainly reminiscent of.

Certainly worth a watch!!!

Worth the wait

[detoxbtex · 7/10 · 31 October 2022]

11 years ago I came across this little indie fundraiser, after all the years I had the pleasure of watching it finally and it was well worth waiting. It's obviously changed course over the time of production but looks incredible with great cinematography and visual special effects and some very atmospheric music. Great casting also helps drive the story forward for the few places where the narrative maybe drops slightly. To have anything resembling cohesive after so many years though is a miracle in itself. A great treat for backers with it dropping on hallowe'en as well. Congratulations to all involved!

A Bloody Good Ride

[Ahlephia · 8/10 · 2 November 2022]

When I first stumbled upon this independent film, I couldn't wait to get involved. I've been a long-time supporter of indie films and filmmakers, especially when it comes to the horror genre. Invasion spoke to me, promising me a rich story within my preferred genre.

The original film has changed dramatically over the course of 15 years in production, but what has been delivered was truly worth the wait. A slow-burn feature that focuses hard on story and character development while giving horror-loving audiences gore and gruesome demises.

The cast and crew are troopers, having filmed this feature over four years. The cinematography and visual effects are exceptional while the music helps build the tense atmosphere.

Overall, Invasion of the Not Quite Dead has been a long time coming, but it was well worth it. A compelling story-driven bloody good ride. Congratulations to all involved.

Modern Horror with a twist.....masterpiece .

[rudkinmark · 10/10 · 2 November 2022]

Recently watched this 15 years in the making and a modern masterpiece of film work. Beautifully shot and amazing lighting gives this film a haunting feel. Amazing soundtrack by Wheatus gives it a tense feeling, Fully immersive story and makes you feel tingly. I've known the director for many years and through public donations and help from many famous faces this project has finally come to fruition. A modern masterpiece and throughly impressive film, deserves lots of recognition and a great cast. Great job by all involved, Anthony Lane the director has had his own issues during the last 15 years but managed to pull it altogether.

Indie movie fun

[mikesteinheiser · 9/10 · 3 November 2022]

Cool little indie movie. Backed the indiegogo fundraiser a few years ago and jumped at the chance to watch the backers only screener a few nights ago. I had an empty house a few nights ago and sat down to watch by myself with the lights off and volume turned up loud. It's a slow burn character driven movie which is right up my alley. Wasn't quite sure what to expect after backing it a few years ago and it did not disappoint Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish It's a slow burn movie which is a style I have always loved . Good acting,well written,great cinematography and good gore effects and score and a spectacular ending It was all I had hoped for and more and anxiously await for my blu ray to arrive to sit down and give it another watch.

Truly great indie film that keeps you on edge and questioning what's going to happen next...

[Sparky_Jay-77936 · 8/10 · 18 November 2022]

I've recently had the pleasure of watching Invasion of the not Quite Dead as I was lucky enough to be given the chance to watch the screener and what can I say.... I was impressed at everything from the overall creativity, editing style, lighting, make-up, to cinematography and the casts performances.

I've been invested in this film since the beginning along with the director AD's story and I have to say it's been one hell of a journey for sure.

I'm incredibly proud of what AD Lane and everyone who has been involved has produced, as I know it's taken blood, sweat and tears (quite literally) to get to this point. So it's a film I've anticipated seeing for a while now and It has most definitely been worth the wait.

This is a story that focuses on some pretty hard hitting themes such as mental health as it draws comparisons from the cult classic zombie horror genre and merges it with everyday modern real life issues to create something truly unique.

(Perhaps the theme of this story is closer to home for us all, the monsters we all deal with in everyday life but struggle to admit to them but then jump out of you from no where and you have no choice but to face them) This is what this film portrays brilliantly.

From the very beginning you are hooked!!! A weird seaside town that has a mysterious outbreak, that only gets even more HORRIFYING as time goes on. We follow a series of character's gripping tales ( Particularly those of Sam and Barbara Peterson (Jake Frankman and Nina Stratford ) who both play a stella performance. You're left wondering what's going to happen next and what's coming at every turn.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this film, from its inception right up until the end. I know how hard both the cast and crew have worked on this film and what it's took to get this far.

If you want to watch a truly great independent film that keeps you on edge questioning what's going to happen next, mixed in with real life themes, a character driven story that's just off the wall and lots of realistic gore (with no CGI effects) then this film is 100% for you!

A gore fest that will blow you away.

[peteroxley · 8/10 · 21 November 2022]

Right from the start of the movie you are hooked and dont want to miss a second. Not only is this a gore fest edge of the seats horror film but keeps you guessing from start to finish. Tony Lane over many years has created one of the most original independent horror films I've seen during the last 20 years and I've seen plenty. Also the acting is first class and the camera work and direction is top notch. The running time is not to long or to short and the music fits perfectly into the story. This indie horror deserves every accolade it receives and I for one cant wait for the offical release next year..

Modern Cult Classic

[ludlowfilm · 7/10 · 31 December 2022]

Many years ago, writer/director Anthony Lane took to twitter, asking for backers for his movie project. I was naturally drawn to this, due to the premise that it would be all natural effects, no digital blood and guts. Fast forward about 10 years, and this film is now finished (Tony had some personal things happen along the way, Plus the Covid Lockdown) It's worth the wait. It's not a run of the mill, zombie horror flick. It's a tense drama, which is well written and beautifully acted indie film... with the undead.

Clearly a modern masterpiece, and not just a zombie exploitation film. If you're a fan of The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue, or any of the Romero'Dead' films, or just a fan of Independent Cinema? This is for you!

Blood, Sweat and Tears

[badderthanskeletor · 9/10 · 7 November 2022]

Invasion of the Not Quite Dead is a tale of blood, sweat and tears, both in front of and behind the camera. The film is dark, gritty and has some hard hitting themes. The soundtrack is fantastic and the visuals overall are really impressive, as is the makeup and SFX. Despite the '15 years in the making' the film doesn't look dated and overall I'd say it is a masterpiece of crowdfunded cinematography. Will it win any Oscars? Probably not but kudos must go to Ad Lane for realising his dream and bringing this to life. I hope his legacy is inspiring the next generation of film makers to dare to dream big. 10/10 for effort x.

Not quite a zombie film... but really quite good!

[michaelrowley-82797 · 8/10 · 3 November 2022]

As a backer (no incentive, financial or otherwise, to write this review) i know and appreciate that this film existing at all is an incredible achievement after so many years of struggle for the director. As a film lover and devourer, i can appreciate the craft, quality and commitment to making something very different to a typical zombie film. And thats also a warning to go in with an open mind and no pre-conceptions, because what AD Lane and co have done is make a drama about the mental collapse of a man and his family that just happens to have zombies in it. With that accepted and understood, you are left with the brilliant score and cinematography, alongside the excellent cast (what a surprise Frank was! Real talent) and a surreal and dream like quality that intrigues and rewards and that ultimately us gripped. Well worth a watch.

Banquet of the Grotesque (Don't Stop Now)

[srh49978 · 10/10 · 9 November 2022]

I have been curious about this film since it was just a "gleam in the eye." I met the young filmmaker on Twitter years ago when he was doing all-night crowd funding and I was trying to draw attention for my novels simultaneously. As I followed his Tweets every night, I became more and more drawn in. I started following everything connected with Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead. I began "cyber-meeting" more of those involved and learning of the combined skill and creativity.

First, I am not a zombie fan, nor am I even much of a horror fan--1950s Sci Fi is my obsession, but this one movie was going to be something special. I was as intrigued by the filmmaker's journey as I was by the film. I got involved in my own small ways when I could. I hoped Tony Lane could have what he needed for his project. As others have said, the movie has morphed a bit in the process. As a writer, I understand this. Sometimes your characters get unruly, take over and rewrite the action. Undoubtedly some of that was going on here. I love the characters, the music and how it interfaces, the makeup, the special effects.. and I especially enjoyed the ride. There was that time they went to Bulgaria and blew up a car! The final product was so worth the wait.

The cinematography and effects are beautiful.

Great thought went into this film. A spectacular job by all, but a special hat's off to Frank Jakeman who made the whole thing believable.

--Sara Marie Hogg, author and film buff.

IOTNQD - Directed by Antony D. Lane is a long time coming...

[john-shelton-2 · 9/10 · 30 November 2022]

I was fortunite enough as a backer to watch a screener of the film, Invasion of the Not Quite Dead.

The cut I saw ran for nearly two hours, but was worth the wait. It was well shot, nicely graded and paced. The real stuff starts to happen later in the film, but there is a lot of drama and human torment happening, through-out the film.

Mr. Antony D. Lane actually makes an appearance in the film itself. It all tackles a Pandemic and fragile mental health, which may be a sensitive subject to some, but it pulls off in the end.

Great gore effects and we follow the story of the Police as they deal with an on-coming threat of a pandemic, none of the characters are ready for. This gives it it's terror and uneasiness.

There is a suprise soundtrack featuring the band Wheatus, as well.

Great Indie Cast. I was happy to have seen this film after starts and delays. Onwards and up. Thanks for showing me the screening of the film.

A must watch if you love indie horror flicks!

[emilycky · 8/10 · 18 November 2022]

I discovered Invasion on Twitter around 10 years ago, upon seeing writer / director Tony Lane doing a 24 hour no-sleepathon to promote Invasion, and I have been following the films progress ever since. I am incredibly honoured to be amongst the first few people to watch the Invasion screener.

Invasion is a gripping surrealist horror film, and from the beginning we are hooked right from the mysterious outbreak, right through to the very end. Sam Peterson (played by Frank Jakeman) holds a brilliant performance so that we want to follow him on his journey & to find out why he has returned to his home town after 15 years, which is now slowly becoming the epicentre of a strange virus. The film uses no CGI special effects, which makes it all the more gruesome - a must if you love zombie horror films, and the cinematography, lighting and casting is top notch as well! Invasion is definitely reminscent of cult era zombie classics - definitely well worth a watch!