Didn’t Die, 2025.
Directed by Meera Menon.
Starring Kiran Deol, George Basil, Samrat Chakrabarti, Katie McCuen, Ali Lopez-Sohaili, Kandis Fay, Rupak Ginn, Rachna Khatau, Jhanelle Elissa, Vishal Vijayakumar, and August Redd.
SYNOPSIS:
As the zombie apocalypse unfolds, a podcast host struggles to maintain their dwindling audience amidst the chaos.
There is a chance one might read the plot synopsis for co-writer/director Meera Menon’s Didn’t Die and fall under the impression that it’s a black, potentially satirical comedy about narcissism, given that it’s centered on a podcaster trying to maintain her audience during a zombie apocalypse that is obviously thinning the pool of potential and regular listeners by the hour. For better or worse, the film isn’t much of a comedy but a look at how a social media tool such as podcasting could allow others to stay connected during an apocalypse while advising and mentally looking out for one another.
That podcaster is Vaneeta (Kiran Deol, serviceable in the role with a voice unquestionably fit for podcasting), who also isn’t afraid to go scavenging during the day (a time when zombies apparently do much in this interpretation of their lore) with her anxious brother (who has yet to actually kill a zombie), putting up flyers in an attempt to coordinate a meeting for a live recording of the podcast. One presumes that such a situation would be a centerpiece sequence or involve profound drama, but it oddly falls apart fast (zombies start running around during the day and enter the recording location) and serves as a jumping-off point to reconnect Vaneeta to her ex-boyfriend (George Basil) who has discovered a baby and is looking to pass it off on someone.
From there, everyone heads back to Vaneeta’s childhood home (where another sibling is living with his partner, having a different approach to apocalyptic life), where podcasting strangely takes a backseat to unpacking the relationship between her and her ex. This means Don’t Die often struggles to take advantage of its premise, although its characters are defined and human enough to remain engaged. However, it also builds to some standard zombie violence (the black and white photography seemingly intended to mask unconvincing special effects) that doesn’t stand out as much of a payoff because the characterization isn’t necessarily that complex.
This is a solid premise for a zombie apocalypse film that the filmmakers struggle with making the focus of the narrative, allowing the more clichéd elements to overrun that intriguing podcasting concept. Don’t Die also isn’t a traditional horror film, so those excited that it has the Midnight label at Sundance will want to alter their expectations of what it is. However, it’s a bit disappointing in terms of what it is as well. During the live meet-up for the podcast, there are several listeners, each with a different compelling story about how the apocalypse has been for them, all tying into the connection aspect. Following that, the film frustratingly limits its scope to a family rather than a host of listeners and a central podcast.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd
