Film Review: Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 4: Dawn of the Vampires

Back in 2018, a little Disney Channel Original Movie debuted featuring adorkable zombie Zed swept up in a forbidden romance with not-so-human Addison. Who would have thought seven years later, we would be looking at one of the longest-running DCOM franchises to maintain the original leads in Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly. The biggest difference for round four in the big happy family at Seabrook: the addition of Daywalkers and Vampires into the mix. These rival clans, once a harmonious whole, have split in two. A second love story is hatched, playing parallel to the one between Zed the zombie and Addison the alien, as revealed in the previous entry. Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 4: Dawn of the Vampires brings vibrant heart and a meaningful message about unity, whilst trading some of its signature intimacy for a more ensemble-driven story. 

Seabrook has never been more united: zombies, werewolves, aliens, and humans live in peace. During a traditionally-animated cold open, we learn about another moonstone that powers mortal enemies the Daywalkers and the Vampires. Both factions are forced to face a shared crisis. Their precious bloodfruit supply is dying, and the last remaining magical orchard has been locked behind a mystical forcefield requiring three keys. Victor (Malachi Barton), chosen leader of the Vampires, and Nova (Freya Skye), chosen leader of the Daywalkers, separately dream of each other, promising a destined connection. Can they find a way to work together to obtain the keys that unlock the orchard?

In trademark Z-O-M-B-I-E-S fashion, Zed and Addison introduce us to their new normal at Mountain College by narrating their initial scenes and breaking the fourth wall. Zed plans for Camp Tackle Crunch to give him the momentum for first string on the football team; Addison is destined for Camp Fly-High this summer to chase her cheer captain dreams. An elaborate opening number aptly titled “Legends in the Making” highlights returning characters—including Zombie Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Werewolf Willa (Chandler Kinney)—and elaborate choreography. It thrusts us back into Seabrook with an energetic pep reminiscent of Grease 2’s “Back to School Again” or High School Musical 2’s “What Time Is It?”

A strange surge in Zed’s Z-Band derails a road trip, causing the group to crash and flip their vehicle in comical fashion. Zed and Addison end up separated—Zed goes with the beam-shooting Daywalkers, while Addison becomes enmeshed in the fangy world of the Vampires. Stunning use of color and light help distinguish these vastly different worlds, from the bright unity of the Daywalkers to Shadyside’s neon mysteriousness. Zed and Addison are pulled into the hunt for the bloodfruit. This ordeal directly connects to the powerful surge that only get worse by the minute. For any hopes of returning to normalcy, the duo will have to help both vampy groups overcome their differences as the werewolves and aliens both did before them. With tensions mounting and time running out, the two teams must learn to decipher cryptic clues and unlock the orchard before their worlds fall apart.

Character wise, Willa, Eliza, and the rest of the Seabrook crew return with fun moments, but are less central than before. Ray provides comic relief, while the various elders and guardians push the political tension. Zed and Addison still remain the emotional heart of the series, though their story takes more of a backseat this time. Their romantic reunion and a mountaintop moment present a fitting conclusion to their arc. A fan favorite song reprisal will set the heartstrings aflutter. Both Manheim and Donnelly are relishing in their return to the fray. Manheim in particular has some truly exceptional line readings, such as the obscene way he pronounces “schmooores.” Nova and Victor may be forbidden lovers caught between clans, but their chemistry is undeniable. Their duet in the cave is a standout moment, and they emerge as the most compelling new addition.

As a very casual fan of the franchise, I only recently finally watched the second and the third film. Part 3 in particular was fantastic, probably my favorite of the series in fact. 4 may not reach the emotional peaks of Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3, but it’s still a fun and visually dazzling return to a world that knows how to mix electric musical sequences and monster mythology. With all four movies directed by Paul Hoen, it may also be the most consistent DCOM franchise around since High School Musical. Sidelining Zedison was not my favorite choice, especially given that neither of them receive full-on solo numbers. There’s no “Exceptional Zed” or “Stand” to speak of, so musically there’s a tad bit of disappointment. 

Still, many of these songs are destined for Spotify replays. “Kerosene” and “Show the World” are instant classics. A swirly cliffhanger suggests we are not quite done with the world of Z-O-M-B-I-E-S just yet. Choreography and costuming remains top-tier, especially in the dance-off sequences and orchard finale. The main message returns stronger than ever—progress comes from cooperation, not conquest. Our differences make us that much more vital to one another. It’s a hell of a message for a flick that started from such simple roots. Even if the whole passing of the torch remains too on the nose for my liking, Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 4: Dawn of the Vampires provides a vibrant reunion that will delight fans of the franchise. 

Put your fangs up for the arrival of Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 4: Dawn of the Vampires, shambling onto The Disney Channel on July 20th, then reviving its corpse for Disney+ subscribers on July 21st.