Unpacking the Undead: A Review of the Santa Clarita Diet
Santa Clarita Diet is a Netflix horror-comedy series that premiered in 2017. The show revolves around the Hammond family and their strange new lifestyle following the transformation of their matriarch, Sheila, into an undead, flesh-craving monster. While the concept of zombies may seem overused, Santa Clarita Diet puts an entertaining and unique spin on it, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Plot Synopsis
In the pilot episode, Sheila (played by Drew Barrymore) begins feeling unwell and eventually transforms into a zombie. Her husband, Joel (played by Timothy Olyphant), is initially hesitant to accept her new appetite for human flesh but eventually agrees to help her find a way to satisfy her cravings while avoiding being caught by the authorities.
The show’s subsequent episodes follow the family’s journey as they navigate the challenges of being a zombie in modern-day America. They eventually discover that Sheila’s condition is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes and work to find a cure before it’s too late.
Unique and Engaging Characters
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its characters. The Hammond family members are all relatable and likable, despite their flaws. Sheila’s transformation from bored suburban housewife to bloodthirsty zombie gives Barrymore plenty of opportunities to showcase her range as an actress.
Similarly, Olyphant’s character provides a good balance between comedic relief and emotional depth. The show’s supporting cast members, including their daughter Abby (played by Liv Hewson) and the Hammond’s eccentric neighbor Gary (played by Nathan Fillion), also help to round out the show’s ensemble.
Subverts Zombie Tropes
While the premise of Santa Clarita Diet may seem like a typical zombie story at first, the show quickly subverts those expectations. Instead of showing zombies as mindless and violent, the show demonstrates how the Hammond family is able to integrate Sheila’s new dietary needs into their daily routine.
Moreover, the show takes a more humorous approach to the idea of becoming a zombie. For instance, Sheila’s family employs creative ways to obtain the human flesh she needs, such as hunting down pedophiles to take care of her dietary needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Clarita Diet is a refreshing addition to the zombie genre. It manages to balance its comedic aspects with a suspenseful storyline and well-developed characters. Despite being cancelled after just three seasons, the show has gained a dedicated following and is worth checking out for horror-comedy fans.
