Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
One-shot zombie thriller with gore, drugs, and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
MadS
What's the Story?
In MADS, a young man's (Milton Riche) dream of a night of partying and drug use transforms into a nightmare when he realizes there's a zombie attack. Suddenly he and his friends have to fend for themselves and try to survive the night.
Is It Any Good?
A virtuosic opening sequence quickly descends into repetitive chaos in David Moreau's one-take zombie thriller. MadS kicks off as a young man is about to have the night of his life, but his visit to his dealer en route to a party turns into a challenge to stay alive as a zombie attack breaks out. Every technical element in Moreau's film is extraordinary, seamlessly combining clever cinematography with effective genre elements to deliver what feels like going on a rollercoaster where you're splattered with blood.
Soon enough, though, the technical display starts to feel one-note and the ride becomes repetitive. It doesn't help that there's no depth to any character, so it's hard to stay invested in them. You could try to find more profound meanings to the film. Is it saying something about the perils of substance abuse? Is it commenting on violence against women? But this ambiguity can also add to desensitizing younger viewers to violence and gore.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's one-shot look. How did it make them feel? Was it exciting? Did the effect wear out quickly?
Do the characters show any positive or negative qualities? Do they inspire empathy?
How do you think drug use affected the decisions the characters make?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 18, 2024
- Cast : Milton Riche , Laurie Pavy , Lucille Guillaume
- Director : David Moreau
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Shudder
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 5, 2024
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