Over the past couple of decades, the idea of zombies or re-animated creatures has proliferated in popular culture across the globe. This has resulted in an eclectic mix of TV, film and comics which have approached the concept from just about every angle imaginable. Nowhere has the sub-genre been embraced so warmly as it has in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea. In Lee Min-jae’s new film, Odd Family: Zombie on Sale, he puts a capitalist spin on it.
When a pharmaceutical company is exposed for carrying-out illegal testing on humans, it’s only natural that they’d want to dispose of any evidence. Outside the rural town of Poongsan, a zombie awakes and shambles unhurriedly towards civilisation. He eventually bites Man-duk (Park In-hwan), the head of the Park family. Instead of turning into a brain-munching monster he’s miraculously rejuvenated. Whilst her siblings see this as a money-making opportunity, his youngest daughter Hye-gul (Lee Soo-kyung) forms a connection with their new arrival.
Odd Family: Zombie on Sale does what it says on the tin. The Parks are a strange, amusing and surprisingly close bunch. Their inter-relationships are the spur for much of the comedy, and it’s very funny. The unique spin of monetising their misfortune/good luck is inspired. Mix in some action, drama and romance and you get a wonderfully inventive and thoroughly entertaining film. Odd Family: Zombie on Sale is an absolute riot.
Odd Family: Zombie on Sale screened at Fantasia Festival 2019.
