Yummy (2019) Review – A Bloody and Hilarious Belgian Zombie Romp
Yummy: Quick Verdict
The Verdict: A refreshingly energetic and unapologetically low-brow addition to the overstuffed zombie comedy sub-genre. Yummy succeeds by leaning heavily into its “splatterstick” roots, offering a relentless barrage of creative kills and impressive practical effects that will satisfy even the most jaded gore-hounds. While the plot is thin and the humour occasionally borders on the absurd, the chemistry between Maaike Neuville and Bart Hollanders provides a solid emotional anchor amidst the carnage. Director Lars Damoiseaux makes excellent use of the claustrophobic hospital setting, creating a sense of manic urgency that rarely lets up. This 3.5 star effort proves that there is still some life left in the undead, provided you have a high tolerance for dick jokes and bumbling protagonists. It is a fast-paced, colourful, and genuinely shocking romp that manages to be both a satire of the cosmetic surgery industry and a bloody love letter to the zombie movies of old. If you are looking for a high-octane horror comedy that doesn’t ask much of its audience, Yummy is a treat worth devouring.
Details: Director: Lars Damoiseaux | Cast: Maaike Neuville, Bart Hollanders, Clara Cleymans | Runtime: 1h 28m | Release Date: 2019
Best for: Fans of Dead Alive, Shaun of the Dead, and anyone who appreciates practical gore effects mixed with physical comedy.
Worth noting: The film’s Eastern European hospital setting was chosen to reflect the real-world phenomenon of “medical tourism,” adding a layer of topical satire to the supernatural chaos.
Where to Watch: Shudder, Amazon🛒, Vudu
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
(A bloody, funny, and surprisingly mean-spirited Belgian zombie comedy that overcomes its low-brow humour with fantastic practical effects.)
Welcome to Knockout Horror. Today we are taking a look at a zombie themed horror comedy – Yummy (2019).
Highlights
Belgian zombie horror comedy
The zombie comedy horror genre is an overcrowded one. Shaun of the Dead seemed to spark something in horror filmmakers that, like the subjects of the movies themselves, has refused to die. The vast majority are, to be honest, fairly bad. I am not a fan of zombie flicks as it is and this is a sub-genre that I tend to avoid. Still, I was interested to see what another European country’s take on it would be.
The story follows couple Alison and Michael. Alison wants to undergo a breast reduction but the cheapest option is a sketchy Eastern European hospital. Still, the couple are strapped for cash so their options are limited. They head to the hospital with mother in tow and set about getting some plastic surgery. It isn’t long, however, before the couple realise that something is seriously amiss at the hospital and its not just the dodgy boob jobs.
Speaking of Belgian horror, one of my favourites is Rabid Grannies from the 80s. They are a seriously underrated scary movie nation and I was intrigued by how they would approach this subject. I am happy to say, the result is a movie that is a lot of fun. Naturally, it plays to type and doesn’t really do anything different but it is very enjoyable for what it is.
Zombies, gore and laughs
Set in a fairly large, Eastern European hospital, Yummy has everything you might expect from a zombie comedy. There is a lot of gore, a very thin plot, tons of interesting kills and some nice practical effects. Aiming to at least have some traditional horror elements.
“Yummy has everything you might expect from a zombie comedy. There is a lot of gore, a very thin plot, tons of interesting kills and some nice practical effects.”
This is a movie that wants to deliver on the things many know and love about the genre. Expect intestines spilling out of bodies, half naked zombies chasing people around, clumsy protagonists, and doctors keeping secrets.
Featuring an interesting mix of English and a non-descript Eastern European language, Yummy is easily digestible for Western audiences even if you don’t enjoy subtitled movies. Its fast-paced focus on action and comedy keeps things moving along smoothly and it doesn’t ask much of the viewer. That’s exactly what you want from a zombie themed horror comedy.
A strong comedy focus
The comedy is a primary focus here. It comes in both visual form and by way of character interactions. Alison’s (Maaike Neuville) ridiculously over-the-top bust size makes for instant laughs. Her boyfriend’s complete inability to do anything right is entertaining for its ridiculousness. Everyone introduced into the story is there purely to provide further comedy. Be it sleazy, drug addicted hospital workers or devious buxom nurses, the movie is consistently humorous and light hearted. It is also rather topical given the recent obsession with cosmetic surgery.
Our main protagonist, Michael, is ill at ease as a hero. Incapable and easily perturbed, his hemophobia only further worsens the situation he has found himself in. Luckily Alison is more capable and only too willing to help him out. It makes for a decent dynamic with plenty of laughs.
“Michael is ill at ease as a hero. Incapable and easily perturbed, his hemophobia only further worsens the situation. It makes for a decent dynamic with plenty of laughs.”
Of course, not all of the comedy hits. Certain scenes will likely seem too stupid to garner a laugh from some. One scene in particular stands out due to its absurdity. I won’t spoil anything but it features a prosthetic phallus and a pair of bumbling idiots. Still, it got a chuckle out of me for how ridiculous it was. It can’t be said that the movie isn’t willing to take risks.
Lots of gore and practical effects
As far as scares go, there aren’t a ton here because, as mentioned above, the focus is on the comedy. That doesn’t mean there are no horror elements, though. The gore comes by the bucket load. Practical effects take centre stage and they are, in parts, exceptional.
A zombie eating its own intestines is a rather gruesome sight, a topless zombette ambling maniacally unsettles. The mix of 28 Days Later style rage zombies and retro Romero types is interesting. The maze-like nature of the hospital keeps up the sense of suspense as the characters never know what is around each corner.
The film eventually moves into something reminiscent of older zombie movies. A group of ill-matched survivors band together to find a way out. Some might make it, others won’t. This has all been done before but it is satisfying all the same. There are uneasy allegiances and a few plot twists to boot. An unexpected ending wraps things up in satisfying manner and will be sure to shock a few people. The 88-minute runtime strolls by rapidly and it stays entertaining throughout.
Not for everyone
Naturally this type of movie won’t be for everyone. The comedy is such a strong focus that many will be put off from the get-go. Horror comedy is a divisive genre as it is. The zombie horror sub-genre is overcrowded and there isn’t much left to extract from it. The humour is about as low-brow as it gets, as well. If you have a low tolerance for dick jokes, semi-naked women and sex references, you will likely find little to like.
Much of the violence is actually off-screen. There is tons of gore here and plenty of excellent effects but the kills aren’t that graphic. Given the nature of the movie, some may be disappointed by this. The ending may leave a few people bent out of shape, as well.
“It is a fun movie that stands out in a very crowded genre. The action is relentless and full of laughs and there are a few genuinely shocking moments to accompany some fantastic gore.”
Acting is something of a mixed bag. Maaike Neuville, as Alison, and Bart Hollanders, as Michael, are great fun. Michael is convincingly hopeless. I enjoyed Clara Cleymans as Nurse Janja as well. Some of the other roles are not as good. Much of the acting is played for laughs and can be hammy. Nobody stands out as being particularly bad, though.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The Good
- Fantastic Practical Effects: The gore is handled with a real sense of fun and craftsmanship, from spilling intestines to gruesome surgical mishaps.
- Genuinely Funny: While the humour is subjective, the film hits its mark more often than not with clever visual gags and bumbling character dynamics.
- Shocking Ending: The film isn’t afraid to go to some dark places, offering an unexpected conclusion that gives the movie a bit of extra bite.
The Bad
- Low-Brow Humour: Those looking for sophisticated satire might be put off by the frequent reliance on “dick jokes” and sexual references.
- Thin Plot: The narrative serves purely as a vehicle for the next set-piece, offering very little in the way of character depth or world-building.
- Hammy Acting: Some of the supporting performances are played so far over the top that they occasionally break the immersion.
The Ugly: The “Phallus” Scene. A moment of extreme absurdity involving a bumbling duo and a prosthetic that will either have you rolling on the floor or groaning in disbelief.
Should You Watch Yummy?
Yes. It is a 3.5 star film that knows exactly what it is. If you want a fun, gore-soaked horror comedy that doesn’t take itself seriously, Yummy is one of the better options on Shudder. It stands out in a crowded market through sheer energy and some truly excellent practical work. Just don’t expect anything too profound.
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