Horror has always been a genre of reinvention. From the gothic chills of Dracula to the grindhouse gore of the 1970s, each generation finds new ways to terrify, shock, and thrill. Now, in 2025, that reinvention arrives in the form of glitter, stilettos, and blood-soaked camp with Queens of the Dead, a zombie horror-comedy directed by Tina Romero, daughter of the legendary George A. Romero. The film dares to ask: what happens when the apocalypse collides with a drag show? The answer is a dazzling, outrageous, and surprisingly heartfelt spectacle that may become the next cult classic.

The film’s premise is deliciously chaotic. A Brooklyn drag club becomes ground zero for an undead outbreak, forcing performers and audience members alike to battle for survival with whatever weapons they can fashion - wigs, stilettos, and sequined gowns become as deadly as any shotgun. At the heart of the story are drag icons Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race alum), comedian Margaret Cho, and a vibrant ensemble cast of LGBTQ+ performers who fight to protect their community while delivering biting one-liners and campy glamour.

Tina Romero, no stranger to the zombie legacy she was born into, brings her own identity and cultural perspective to the genre. “My father created the modern zombie,” she explained in interviews, “but I wanted to create zombies for my community. Horror is about reflecting society, and queer people know how to survive in a hostile world. So, what better survivors than drag queens in six-inch heels?” This philosophy runs throughout the film, merging visceral horror with commentary on resilience, identity, and chosen family.

The exclusive trailer released this week promises a wild ride. It opens with dazzling shots of drag performers lip-syncing under neon lights before chaos erupts as bloodied hands smash through windows. The tonal whiplash - from joy to terror in seconds - captures the essence of Romero’s approach. One standout moment shows Nina West wielding a microphone stand like a spear, sequins dripping in fake blood, while Margaret Cho hurls insults as sharp as any blade at the encroaching horde. It’s horror and comedy perfectly balanced on a razor’s edge.

The film is already drawing comparisons to cult horror-comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Death Becomes Her, but it carves its own niche by unapologetically centering queer voices. Where mainstream horror often sidelines LGBTQ+ characters or uses them as tragic victims, Queens of the Dead puts them in the driver’s seat - or rather, on the stage, spotlight blazing, fighting back against both zombies and stereotypes. It’s a refreshing reclamation of space in a genre that has often excluded them.

Cultural commentators note the timing is perfect. Horror is experiencing a renaissance, with 2025 being one of the genre’s strongest box office years thanks to films like The Conjuring: Last Rites and Jordan Peele’s upcoming HIM. Amid these heavy hitters, Queens of the Dead offers something distinct: a playful but powerful message about inclusivity, survival, and the vibrancy of queer culture. If audiences embrace it, it could become a midnight-screening favorite in the tradition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The performances look to be as bold as the premise. Nina West, known for her warm humor and activism, brings charisma and camp to her role. Margaret Cho leans into her sharp wit, offering acerbic comic relief even in the bloodiest moments. Supporting cast members include up-and-coming drag artists, comedians, and musicians, making the ensemble feel authentically diverse rather than tokenistic. Representation here is not window dressing - it is the beating heart of the film.

Of course, no zombie film can survive without its monsters, and Romero delivers. The trailer teases grotesque, practical-effects zombies that harken back to her father’s original work. With peeling flesh, oozing wounds, and jerky, unnatural movements, the undead here are more grotesque than glossy CGI creations. Combined with buckets of practical gore and splashes of glitter (sometimes literally), the visuals promise to satisfy hardcore horror fans while still maintaining the film’s playful tone.

Beyond the gore and camp, Queens of the Dead also leans into allegory, a Romero family trademark. Just as George Romero’s zombies once critiqued consumerism and racism, Tina Romero’s monsters serve as a metaphor for the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community - hatred, prejudice, and societal apathy. The drag queens’ battle for survival doubles as a metaphor for resilience in a world that too often seeks to erase or silence them. It’s horror with teeth, but also with heart.

The film also represents a broader shift in horror toward inclusivity. Projects like Bit (2019), Swallowed (2022), and They/Them (2022) hinted at queer horror stories, but Queens of the Dead takes the concept to its campiest extreme. By fusing drag performance with zombie carnage, Romero not only crafts a unique cinematic spectacle but also affirms that horror belongs to everyone - especially those who have long lived on society’s margins.

Early buzz from critics who saw rough cuts at genre festivals suggests the movie may become a surprise hit. Audiences praised its blend of sharp humor, outrageous performances, and surprisingly emotional core. “It’s ridiculous in all the best ways,” one critic noted, “but underneath the wigs and gore is a story about survival, solidarity, and pride.” That combination of heart and horror could help the film break out beyond niche audiences.

Queens of the Dead is set to release theatrically on October 24, 2025, just in time for Halloween season. The release date positions it perfectly to become the horror-comedy event of the year, drawing crowds eager for both scares and laughs. Midnight screenings, cosplay events, and drag-themed promotional tie-ins are already being teased by distributors, ensuring the film’s cultural impact may extend far beyond the screen.

In many ways, Queens of the Dead embodies what horror does best: using the fantastic and grotesque to reveal truths about our world. By marrying the art of drag with the terror of the undead, Tina Romero not only honors her father’s legacy but boldly forges her own path. This is horror that entertains, empowers, and refuses to be ignored.

Whether you come for the zombies, the camp, or the cultural commentary, Queens of the Dead promises a night at the movies you won’t soon forget. After all, if you’re going to face the apocalypse, why not do it in heels?

Tags: Queens of the Dead, Tina Romero, drag zombies, LGBTQ horror, Nina West, Margaret Cho, queer horror comedy, zombie apocalypse, Halloween 2025 horror, camp horror film