| Spring Break Zombie Massacre | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Bobby Carnevale |
| Written by |
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| Produced by | Jesse Suchmann |
| Starring |
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| Edited by | Tim Forster |
| Release date |
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| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Spring Break Zombie Massacre is a 2016 American horror short film directed by Bobby Carnevale. Sam Suchmann and Mattie Zufelt star as half-brothers who must stop Satan from ruining their spring break.
Premise
After failing to steal their magic powers, Satan kills the mothers of two half-brothers shortly after they are born. Twenty years later, the brothers must use their powers to stop Satan and his zombie minions from ruining their spring break.
Cast
- Sam Suchmann as Sam
- Mattie Zufelt as Mattie
- Madeline Brumby as Nikki
- Justine S Harrison as Elizabeth/Mrs. Fox
- Allison Maier as A. J.
- Joseph Turner as Frakenzombie
- Johnny Collins as the Devil
Pauly D appears in a cameo near the end.
Production
Sam Suchmann and Mattie Zufelt, both of whom have Down syndrome, met at the Special Olympics. Sam's older brother, Jesse, said their families initially viewed the friends' enthusiasm for a film as a phase the two would eventually outgrow. When they did not, Jesse investigated further, finding that they had written a notebook full of scenes, including storyboards. Jesse initially considered shooting the film do-it-yourself style but was impressed enough with their work that he took the film to Kickstarter, where it received $68,000 in funding. Taking the position of producer, Jesse brought in director Bobby Carnevale, whom he had been friends with in high school. Filming took place over 16 days in Providence, Rhode Island. The Kickstarter campaign and resulting publicity resulted in increased interest in the film, and industry veterans like Farrelly brothers visited the set. Casting involved diverse groups of people. Some of the extras are friends on the autism spectrum or with Downs, and some auditioned after discovering the project. Other talent came from Atlanta, where director Carnevale had contacts. Pauly D, a hero to Mattie, accepted a cameo role after the friends insisted that he be approached. Jesse said the film was Sam and Mattie's project, and they were not simply helped by a professional film crew. A sequel is planned.
Release
Spring Break Zombie Massacre premiered on July 7, 2016, in Providence, Rhode Island. It later played at the Telluride Film Festival in October 2016.
Reception
Steve Hartman of CBS News called it "really gross in parts, terribly offensive in others and completely ludicrous throughout", concluding that it is a future cult film. In 2016, due to the success of the movie, Suchmann and Zufelt were guests on Conan. O'Brien brought a chocolate fountain out for them to celebrate their achievement. Pauly D told People that the pair were impressive to work with and referred to them as "my boys". Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Farrelly stated, “I don’t think I’ve ever smiled more while watching a movie in my life."
Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie
In 2021, Apple TV released Sam and Mattie Make a Zombie Movie, a documentary following Suchmann and Zufelt's journey while making Spring Break Zombie Massacre. The documentary received 4.5 stars on Dread Central. Fox News wrote, "the hope is that the film inspires others to put neurodivergent minds in charge of the creative process."
References
- "These 20-Year-Old Friends With Down Syndrome Made a Zombie Film". Time. 2016-07-14. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- "The nightmare zombie movie that started with a dream". PBS NewsHour. 2016-10-31. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- JonathanBarkan (2016-10-31). "[Telluride Horror Show '16] 'Terrifier', 'Spring Break Zombie Massacre', 'The Windmill' Reviews". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- Staff Writer. "Buddies with Down syndrome create kick-butt zombie flick". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- ^ Hartman, Steve (2016-10-28). "Best friends' zombie movie gives audiences something to smile about". CBS News. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
- ^ Melia, Mike (2015-08-27). "How this NewsHour reporter became a zombie". PBS NewsHour. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
- ^ McDermott, Jennifer (2016-07-13). "RI friends with Down syndrome premiere their epic zombie movie". The Providence Journal. Associated Press. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
- Waterhouse, Jon (2016-10-18). "Inspired Atlantans play a big part in 'Zombie Massacre'". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
- Slane, Kevin (2016-07-09). "How two best friends with Down syndrome from Rhode Island made the kickass action movie of their dreams". Boston.com. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
- Squires, John (2016-07-01). "Teenage Friends Unleash a Spring Break Zombie Massacre; Watch the Trailer!". Dread Central. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
- Barkan, Jonathan (2016-10-21). "[Telluride Horror Show '16] A Recap of the Festival". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved 2016-10-29.
- Conan Gives Filmmakers Sam Suchmann and Mattie Zufelt A Chocolate Fountain | CONAN on TBS, 15 July 2016, retrieved 2023-04-15
- "Pauly D on the Set of Sam and Mattie's Teen Zombie Movie". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- "Two Teens with Down Syndrome Made Their Dream Zombie Movie. The Documentary SAM AND MATTIE MAKE A ZOMBIE MOVIE is the Story of How They Did It – Now on VOD". We Are Movie Geeks. 2021-04-22. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- "'Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie' follows filmmakers with Down syndrome". PBS NewsHour. 2021-06-04. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- "The Sweet Story of How Two Unstoppable Teen Filmmakers Got an Oscar-Winning Director to Produce Their Movie". Parade. 26 June 2021.
- Holstrom, Jans (2021-04-07). "SAM & MATTIE MAKE A ZOMBIE MOVIE Review – The Journey Is More Important Than The Destination In This Wild Documentary". Dread Central. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
- MARK PRATT (2021-04-08). "New film follows 2 zombie moviemakers with Down syndrome". WLUK. Associated Press. Retrieved 2023-04-15.