Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Grab your cricket bat, raid the fridge for a cold one, and head to the Winchester, because this week, the Born to Watch crew are diving deep into one of the smartest and most beloved horror-comedies of all time with their Shaun of the Dead (2004) review.

With G-Man MIA (probably off playing Tekken in the shed), Matt and Sir Dimmy hold the fort to break down Edgar Wright’s 2004 cult classic that reanimated the zombie genre and redefined the zombie flick with a pint of bitter and a dash of British wit.

In this week’s episode, the lads explore how Shaun of the Dead walks the tightrope between gore and giggles, creating a film that works just as well as a slacker comedy as it does a horror satire. Damo admits to confusing it with The World’s End (don’t worry, he’s new here), while Matt reveals he’s seen the film nearly 20 times and could watch it on loop, especially with a packet of pork crackle and a Pepsi Max.

From the iconic walk to the shop (twice), to the Queen-backed zombie beatdown in the Winchester, the boys dissect every major scene with the kind of reverence usually reserved for Tarantino or Scorsese. They also dig into Simon Pegg’s breakout role as the titular Shaun, Nick Frost’s glorious (and infuriating) turn as Ed, and the supporting cast of Britcom legends including Lucy Davis, Dylan Moran, and the ever-reliable Bill Nighy.

They ask all the important questions:

• Is Shaun actually a zombie at the start of the film, who awakens into humanity?
• Could a pub really be the best place to ride out the apocalypse?
• And how the hell did Shaun survive that crowd of flesh-eaters outside the Winchester?

Damo goes full philosopher, questioning the human condition in the age of smartphones (spoiler: we’re all zombies), while Matt wonders why anyone would throw priceless vinyl at the undead.

But it’s not all jokes and Queen sing-alongs, the episode also touches on the emotional beats of the film, like Shaun’s relationship with his mum and stepdad, the heartbreak of watching loved ones turn, and the surprisingly poignant ending that still manages to sneak in one last gag.

The boys also fire off rapid takes in “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” with highlights like:

• The perfect pacing and editing of the dual morning walk sequences
• The underappreciated brilliance of the bizarro “mirror crew” scene
• And Ed’s ability to be the most annoying – yet somehow still likeable – flatmate in cinema history

Throw in some choice reviews from critics (both good and hilariously bad), box office trivia, and the revelation that director Edgar Wright used just $4 million to craft a film that grossed over $30 million and launched a thousand pub-themed Halloween costumes, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a breakdown.

Oh, and yes, the team briefly wonders why cricket bats are now over $1,000, a real horror show.

So whether you’re a diehard fan of the Cornetto Trilogy or new to the undead scene, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Join the conversation:

• Is Shaun of the Dead the best zombie comedy ever made?
• Would you ride out the apocalypse in a pub?
•  And what’s the best record to throw at a zombie?

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