Movies: Queens of the Dead (2025) by Tina Romero: A Neon-Soaked Revolution in the Zombie Genre

Summary of the Movie: Love Promised, Power Revealed

Queens of the Dead is a 2025 horror-comedy that marks the feature directorial debut of Tina Romero, daughter of the legendary George A. Romero. The film masterfully blends the classic "living dead" tropes with the vibrant, high-stakes world of Brooklyn drag culture.

• Movie Plot: During a high-profile drag show in a Brooklyn warehouse, a zombie outbreak forces a group of rival performers, club kids, and "frenemies" to abandon their personal feuds and utilize their unique performance skills to defend their sanctuary.

• Movie Trend: The film aligns with the modern "glam-horror" subgenre, following the footsteps of films like Slay (2024), where queer artistry is reframed as a tactical survival advantage.

• Social Trend: It addresses the "Digital Zombie" phenomenon, featuring undead creatures who remain obsessed with their smartphones and social media clout even after death.

• Director’s Authorship: Tina Romero establishes her own voice by shifting her father's gritty realism into a campy, neon-soaked aesthetic while maintaining the Romero family tradition of sharp social commentary.

• Awards and Recognition: The film has gained significant traction on the festival circuit, winning the Audience Award at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival and receiving a Best Film nomination at Sitges.

• Casting as Statement: Featuring a diverse LGBTQ+ cast including Jaquel Spivey, Katy O'Brian, and Nina West, the film serves as a "for us, by us" anthem for the queer community.

• Where to Watch: Distributed by IFC Films and Shudder, the movie is available for streaming on Shudder and AMC+, as well as for digital purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon.

  https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/queens-of-the-dead (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/queens-of-the-dead (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/queens-of-the-dead (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/queens-of-the-dead (UK)

• Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32986431/

• Link Review: rogerebert.com/reviews/queens-of-the-dead-queer-zombie-movie-review-2025

• About movie: https://www.charades.eu/movies/queens-of-the-dead

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The film demonstrates the commercial viability of "niche-plus" genres, where horror fans and LGBTQ+ audiences overlap to create a dedicated cult following.	Audiences are increasingly drawn to "socially-aware camp" that provides escapism without ignoring the complexities of modern identity and community.	Brands can leverage the film's "creative resilience" theme to align with queer-centric narratives that move beyond basic representation into active heroism.

The film successfully bridges the gap between legendary horror lineage and contemporary queer storytelling. Queens of the Dead stands as a definitive statement on survival through community and creativity.

Why it is trending: A Resurrection of the Romero Legacy through Queer Joy

The film is currently capturing public attention because it successfully "queers" the most iconic lineage in horror history.

• Legacy Hype: As the daughter of George A. Romero, Tina Romero’s debut was highly anticipated by horror purists and new-gen fans alike.

• Viral Concept: The "Drag Queens vs. Zombies" premise provides a visually striking, TikTok-ready aesthetic that naturally generates social media buzz.

• Critical Acclaim: A near-perfect 92% Rotten Tomatoes score has positioned it as a "must-watch" for serious cinephiles, not just genre enthusiasts.

• Timed Release: Launching in late October 2025, it capitalized perfectly on the "Spooky Season" demand for fresh, energetic horror content.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
High Rotten Tomatoes scores for debut indie directors are becoming a primary driver for streaming acquisition and platform "top-shelf" placement.	The trend reflects a "FOMO" culture where viewers prioritize films that blend established IP (the Romero name) with radical new perspectives.	Capitalizing on "Spooky Season" with content that serves both the LGBTQ+ and horror demographics offers a dual-peak engagement opportunity.

The film proves that classic horror tropes can be revitalized when filtered through a lens of authentic community experience. Its trending status is a direct result of balancing nostalgia with bold, new-age representation.

Why to watch this movie: Glamour meets Gore in a Battle for Survival

Queens of the Dead offers a unique experience that satisfies both the craving for "slasher-style" fun and meaningful character depth.

• Genre Innovation: It turns drag accessories—like six-inch heels and industrial-strength hairspray—into literal survival tools against the undead.

• Stellar Cast: Performances by Katy O’Brian and Jaquel Spivey bring a grounded emotional weight to the campy chaos.

• Nostalgic Easter Eggs: The film features a cameo by special effects legend Tom Savini and uses music directly from Day of the Dead (1985), delighting long-term fans.

• Uplifting Subversion: Unlike many horror films where queer characters are the first to die, this movie celebrates them as the primary heroes who save the day through solidarity.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
Integrating genre legends (like Savini) into modern reboots provides "genre-cred" that helps bridge the gap between older and younger audience segments.	Viewers are looking for "Active Representation," where marginalized characters are not just present but are the driving force of the plot's resolution.	Highlighting "Tools of the Trade" in a heroic context allows for clever product placement or brand association within the beauty and fashion sectors.

This film is a celebration of the "unconventional hero," making it essential viewing for anyone tired of the standard horror formula. It is a loud, proud, and bloody testament to the power of being yourself under pressure.

What Trend is followed: The Rise of the "Genre-Bending Queer Hero"

The film is a leading example of the trend where horror is used as a vehicle for specific social and community exploration.

• Neon-Gothic Aesthetic: Following films like I Saw the TV Glow, it uses high-contrast lighting and club aesthetics to redefine the "look" of horror.

• Social Media Satire: The "scrolling zombies" reflect the 2025 consumer trend of criticizing digital addiction and the performative nature of online life.

• Chosen Family Narrative: It leans into the social trend of prioritizing "chosen family" over biological ties as the ultimate support system in times of crisis.

• "Camp with a Conscience": The film follows the trend of using humor not just for laughs, but to mask and then reveal deeper truths about ageism and community infighting.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
Satirical horror that targets digital habits (like phone-obsessed zombies) resonates deeply with Gen Z and Alpha viewers who are critical of tech-dependence.	Consumers are shifting toward "Hyper-Local" settings (like Brooklyn nightlife) that feel authentic and lived-in rather than generic "anywhere" cities.	Alignment with "Chosen Family" narratives is a powerful emotional hook for brands looking to connect with the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

Queens of the Dead doesn't just follow trends; it synthesizes them into a cohesive new vision for the genre. It reflects a world where identity is both a shield and a sword.

Movie Plot: A One-Night Stand Against the Apocalypse

The narrative structure follows a classic "siege" format, confined mostly to a single night and a single primary location.

• The Catalyst: While Sam (Jaquel Spivey) prepares to revive his drag persona at Dre's (Katy O'Brian) club, a virus spreads through a nearby hospital and into the streets.

• The Siege: The club becomes a fortress as the queens and club kids use their distinct abilities—costuming, stagecraft, and sheer attitude—to keep the horde at bay.

• The Conflict: The true threat isn't just the zombies, but the internal "bitchiness" and old rivalries that threaten to tear the group apart from the inside.

• The Resolution: The performers realize that "community" is a verb, and by combining their skills, they stage a final, explosive stand to reclaim their space.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
Single-location "siege" movies continue to be a cost-effective yet high-impact way for indie directors to showcase their tension-building skills.	The "underdog" narrative, specifically when applied to those who are often underestimated by society, provides high emotional payoff for audiences.	The "Backstage" aesthetic offers unique opportunities for "behind-the-scenes" style marketing and partnerships with nightlife-adjacent brands.

The plot serves as a high-octane metaphor for the resilience of marginalized spaces. It concludes that when the world goes to hell, the people who know how to perform are the ones who truly survive.

Director's Vision: Tina Romero's "Neon Dead" Manifesto

Tina Romero’s vision was to respect the "Romero Rules" while injecting them with the vitality of the New York queer scene.

• Genre Expansion: She aimed to show that a "Dead" movie could be bright, funny, and fabulous without losing its edge or its ability to frighten.

• Political Allegory: Like her father, she used zombies to represent social rot—specifically how society "devours" queer culture while ignoring queer people.

• Authentic Atmosphere: Romero utilized her experience as a DJ in the queer scene to ensure the club setting felt visceral and real.

• Family Honor: The vision was specifically about carrying the "torch" forward, ensuring the zombie genre remains a tool for political and social reflection in 2025.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
"Auteur-Horror" from diverse creators is becoming the industry standard for high-prestige genre content that wins festival awards.	There is a high consumer demand for "Authentic Backgrounds"—viewers can tell when a director truly understands the subculture they are portraying.	Brands that support "Heritage and Evolution" narratives can find a strong partner in creators like Romero who respect history while pushing boundaries.

Romero has successfully established herself as a director who can balance commercial entertainment with high-concept art. Her vision ensures that the "Dead" franchise is more alive than ever.

Themes: Survival, Solidarity, and the Spectacle of Death

The film explores deep-seated social themes through the lens of a campy zombie flick.

• Chosen Family vs. Biological Family: The film highlights how queer spaces create safety nets that the "outside world" often fails to provide.

• Creativity as Resistance: Artistry is portrayed as a weapon, suggesting that the ability to imagine and create is what separates humans from the "mindless" consumers.

• Ageism in the Community: The friction between "legendary" queens and "new-gen" club kids provides ground for exploring internal community growth.

• The "Digital Brain-Dead": A critique of how social media and phone addiction have turned modern society into a literal horde of "lookers."

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The "Creativity as Survival" theme is a massive trend in 2025, resonating with a workforce and consumer base that feels increasingly automated.	Consumers are looking for stories that acknowledge the "Dark Side" of digital life while still providing a fun, escapist experience.	Brands focusing on "Community Building" can find long-term loyalty by supporting narratives that address internal community challenges honestly.

The themes within Queens of the Dead provide a "thought-provoking" layer to the gore. The film concludes that survival is only possible when we stop "devouring our own."

Key success factors: Why Queens of the Dead Conquered the Box Office

Despite a limited release, the film has seen remarkable success through strategic positioning and "word-of-mouth" momentum.

• Cross-Demographic Appeal: It successfully appealed to Gen X horror fans (via the Romero name) and Gen Z/Millennial queer audiences (via the cast).

• High "Re-watchability": The dense amount of "one-liners" and visual gags encourages fans to watch multiple times to catch all the references.

• Critical "Freshness": The 92% Rotten Tomatoes score acted as a massive "quality signal" that encouraged hesitant viewers to take a chance.

• Cultural Timing: Releasing during a time of increased social discussion regarding queer rights made the film feel like a timely "protest through joy."

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
"Niche-Bridging" is the most effective way for indie films to achieve high ROI without a massive blockbuster marketing budget.	High scores on aggregate sites like Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes remain the #1 decision-making factor for streaming consumers in 2025.	Brands that align with "Resilient Joy" narratives see higher engagement during culturally tense periods than those that remain neutral.

The film’s success proves that "audacity" is a bankable trait in the 2025 film market. It concludes that a strong, specific voice is more valuable than a generic, broad appeal.

Awards and Nominations: A Critical Darling of 2025

Queens of the Dead has become one of the most decorated independent horror films of the year, securing 4 wins and 1 nomination total.

• Tribeca Film Festival (2025): Winner of the Audience Award for Narrative Feature, proving its massive populist appeal.

• Lost Weekend Awards (2025): Winner for Best Horror Feature, showcasing its successful genre-blending.

• Pride Awards (2025): Winner for Best Picture, solidifying its status as a landmark in queer cinema.

• Sitges Film Festival (2025): Nominated for Best Film in the Midnight X-Treme category, earning international "genre-cred."

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
Audience Awards at major festivals like Tribeca are now seen by distributors as a more reliable indicator of streaming success than Critic Awards.	Consumers use "Best Picture" wins at niche awards (like Pride Awards) to find content that aligns with their specific values and identities.	Association with "Award-Winning" indie content allows brands to capture the "prestige" of a hit without the cost of a major studio partnership.

The film's accolades reflect a rare consensus between high-brow critics and general audiences. It concludes that Tina Romero has successfully lived up to the legendary standard of her father.

Critics reception: "Fierce, Funny, and Famously Romero"

The film has been hailed by major publications like IndieWire and Variety as a "breath of fresh air" for the zombie subgenre.

• Rotten Tomatoes: Boasts a 92% Fresh rating, with critics praising the unique "glam-gore" balance.

• Metacritic: Holds a Metascore of 68, indicating "generally favorable" reviews with high marks for social commentary.

• Variety: Noted that the film "coasts on good intentions and low-budget charm" to create something truly memorable.

• Cineuropa / Bloody Disgusting: Called it a "riotous debut" and a "delightful undead romp" that is more biting for its social commentary than its gore.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The disparity between a high RT and a moderate Metacritic score suggests a film that is highly "likable" and "fun" even if it isn't a "technical masterpiece."	Modern viewers are prioritizing "Vibe" and "Energy" over perfect plot mechanics, leading to high user ratings for "messy but fun" films.	Critics’ mentions of "Social Commentary" provide an "Intellectual Hook" that brands can use to frame their association as more than just surface-level.

Critics agree that while the film may be "low-budget," it is "high-spirit." It concludes that the movie is a successful "homage" that manages to stand entirely on its own two feet.

Release dates: A Global Spooky Season Strategy

The film followed a strategic rollout designed to maximize festival buzz before hitting the general public.

• World Premiere: June 7, 2025, at the Tribeca Festival, where it immediately became a breakout hit.

• US Theatrical Launch: October 24, 2025, timed specifically for the Halloween weekend box office.

• International Screenings: Featured at the Rome Film Festival and Sitges throughout October 2025.

• Streaming Launch: Debuted on Shudder and AMC+ on December 19, 2025, targeting the holiday home-viewing window.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The "Festival-to-Halloween" window remains the most effective rollout strategy for high-concept horror films in North America.	International festival screenings (Rome, Sitges) create a "Global Hype" that allows for a stronger streaming debut worldwide.	The December streaming release offers a "Second Life" for brands to partner on holiday-themed horror merchandise or watch-parties.

The release strategy ensured that the film remained in the cultural conversation for over six months. It concludes that a well-paced rollout is key to "cult classic" status.

What Movie Trend film is following: The "Glam-Horror" and "Elevated Camp" Movement

Queens of the Dead is the "poster child" for several burgeoning cinematic trends of the mid-2020s.

• The "Legacy-Plus" Spinoff: It follows the trend of children of legends taking over franchises, but with a radical thematic shift.

• Neon-Noir Horror: It utilizes the "Technicolor gore" trend where bright colors contrast with dark, violent themes.

• The "Siege" Revival: Reflecting a post-pandemic interest in stories about small groups trapped in a single room, fighting an external "contagion."

• Audience-Interactive Horror: Designed with "Drag Race" style viewer interaction in mind, featuring "cheer moments" and "catchphrases."

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The "Legacy-Plus" trend allows studios to minimize risk by using established "Family Names" while still delivering diverse content.	Audience-interactive elements (catchphrases, "clap-back" moments) drive high engagement on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.	"Neon-Noir" aesthetics are highly transferable to apparel and cosmetic lines, making this film a prime candidate for "Visual Merchandising."

The film sits at the intersection of "Prestige Horror" and "Grindhouse Fun." It concludes that 2025 audiences want their horror with a side of "fabulousness."

What Social Trend film is following: The Fight Against "Community Erasure"

The film acts as a mirror to several major social shifts occurring in 2025.

• Queer Resilience: Amidst a real-world rise in anti-drag legislation, the film serves as a defiant social statement on the "unbreakability" of these spaces.

• The "Dead-Internet" Satire: It comments on the social trend of "living for the feed," where zombies are literally unable to put down their phones.

• Intergenerational Healing: The plot follows the social movement of bridging the gap between "Elder Gays" and the "TikTok generation."

• Anti-Consumerism: Like its predecessor Dawn of the Dead, it uses the undead to mock the "brainless" consumption of modern capitalism.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
Media that "takes a stand" on current social issues (like drag rights) sees higher "Loyalty-based" consumption than neutral content.	The "Digital Detox" sentiment is growing, making satire of "phone-addicted zombies" a highly relatable and satisfying trope for consumers.	Brands that facilitate "Intergenerational Dialogue" can tap into the film's theme of "Old School meets New School" to reach a wider age range.

Queens of the Dead is more than a movie; it is a social artifact. It concludes that horror is the perfect medium for discussing the "monsters" of modern society.

What Consumer Trend film is following: The "Experience-First" Viewer

The film caters to a new type of consumer who views movies as social events rather than passive entertainment.

• "Watch-Party" Culture: The film is specifically designed for group viewing, with "clap-back" dialogue and high-energy musical numbers.

• Aesthetic-Driven Selection: Consumers are increasingly choosing movies based on "The Look"—the vibrant pinks and greens make it a "Visual Bookmark."

• Niche-Specific Loyalty: Viewers are following "Community Creators" (like drag stars) into film, regardless of the genre.

• The "Short-Form" Influence: The film’s pacing reflects the "quick-cut" and "high-impact" style of short-form video consumption.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
"Experience-First" content drives higher premium-tier streaming subscriptions (like AMC+ or Shudder) than standard "filler" content.	Visual "Bookmarking" (screenshots and clips) is the new "word-of-mouth," making aesthetic consistency a vital part of film production.	Partnering with "Niche Creators" from the film's cast allows brands to access highly loyal, "ready-to-buy" consumer groups.

Consumer behavior in 2025 favors the "Bold and the Brief." Queens of the Dead concludes that to capture a modern audience, you must first capture their eyes.

Final Verdict: A Radiant, Rotting Triumph

Queens of the Dead is a rare debut that manages to be both a respectful tribute and a radical departure. It is a "101-minute rager" that leaves the audience both laughing and thinking.

• A Solid Entry: While some critics found the gore "restrained," the character work and "vibe" more than compensate for the lack of intestines.

• The "Romero" Spark: Tina Romero has proven that the "zombie" is not a dead trope, but a flexible vessel for any story a director wants to tell.

• Cultural Landmark: It will likely be remembered as the definitive "Queer Horror" film of the mid-2020s.

• Must-Watch Status: For fans of RuPaul's Drag Race, George Romero, or just high-energy indie cinema, this is an essential 2025 experience.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The success of "Emotional Horror" over "Gore-Horror" suggests a shift in what defines a "successful" genre film in the current market.	Viewers are increasingly satisfied with "Genre-Fluid" films that don't fit perfectly into a single box (Comedy vs. Horror).	Being part of a "Cultural Landmark" early on offers brands a "Legacy Association" that pays off as the film becomes a cult classic.

The film is a "shimmering new color" in the horror spectrum. It concludes that while the zombies may be dead, the future of the franchise is in very capable hands.

Similar movies: If You Loved the Glamour and the Gore

For those who want to continue the "Glam-Horror" marathon, these films offer similar vibes and themes.

• Slay (2024) - Dir. Jem Garrard: The most direct comparison, featuring drag queens facing off against vampires in a small-town bar.

• I Saw the TV Glow (2024) - Dir. Jane Schoenbrun: For those who enjoyed the "Neon-Queer" aesthetic and the deeper, more haunting themes of identity.

• Dawn of the Dead (1978) - Dir. George A. Romero: The "Father" of this film; essential viewing to see the DNA of the "Zombies as Social Satire" trope.

• Deathstalker (2025) - Dir. Steven Kostanski: Another 2025 indie "romp" that focuses on practical effects and high-energy genre fun.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
"Cluster-Consumption" (watching similar movies in a row) is a major driver for streaming "Algorithm Recommendations."	Consumers are building "Aesthetic Playlists" of movies, grouping them by color and "vibe" rather than just genre or director.	Cross-promoting with "Similar Titles" allows brands to create a "World" for their products rather than just a single-item association.

Final Insight on Market Positioning: The "Polished-Indie" Sweet Spot

Queens of the Dead occupies a unique market position as a "Polished-Indie"—a film with a low budget but a high-value brand name and aesthetic.

• Brand Power: Leveraging the "Romero" name allowed the film to punch way above its weight class in terms of PR and press coverage.

• Aesthetic Branding: The use of "Pink and Neon" sets it apart in a genre (horror) that is usually dominated by "Grey and Brown."

• Community-Led Growth: By casting actual drag icons and queer stars, the film ensured an "embedded" marketing team with millions of followers.

• The Shudder Partnership: Aligning with a niche-but-powerful streaming platform like Shudder provided a guaranteed audience from day one.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
"Aesthetic Differentiation" is the most powerful tool for indie films to stand out in a crowded streaming thumbnail gallery.	Modern consumers are "Savvy Marketers" themselves; they appreciate when a film uses its "Brand Name" to elevate marginalized voices.	Brands that can find their own "Sweet Spot" between "Indie Cool" and "Established Quality" will see the highest growth in 2025.

The film's market positioning is a masterclass in "Legacy Management." It concludes that the best way to honor the past is to use it to fund the future.

Trends 2025: The Future of Entertainment is Queer and Chaotic

The success of Queens of the Dead signals several major shifts in the entertainment landscape for 2025 and beyond.

• The "Niche-to-Mainstream" Pipeline: Subcultures (like Brooklyn drag) are no longer "side stories"; they are the main event in blockbuster-adjacent content.

• The "Legacy-Pivot": Established horror IPs will continue to pivot toward diverse creators to remain relevant to younger, more socially-conscious audiences.

• Social Satire 2.0: Horror will increasingly focus on "Digital Rot"—the psychological and social impact of our devices—rather than just physical monsters.

• The Return of "The Experience": A shift away from "Passive Streaming" toward content that encourages dress-up, social media interaction, and community participation.

Industry Insights	Consumer Insights	Insights for Brands
The "Niche-to-Mainstream" pipeline is the primary source of "Fresh IP" for studios in an era where traditional sequels are seeing diminishing returns.	Consumers are looking for "Participatory Entertainment" that allows them to "join the world" of the film through fashion and social media.	Brands that facilitate "The Experience" (through event-hosting or interactive tech) will outperform those that just provide "Content."

Implication for entertainment industry

• The diversification of Horror will see more "Queer-Gothic" and "BIPOC-centric" horror films receiving major distribution deals in 2026.

• "Tech-Cynical Content" will become a standard trope as society grapples with the long-term effects of the attention economy.

• Studios will prioritize films with strong "Visual Identity" (like Queens) over generic big-budget action films that lack "Soul."

• The "Second Generation" of horror creators will lead the genre, using their parents' foundations to build radical new structures.