Name: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Released: 2023-08-03T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Eiji Akaso, Mai Shiraishi, Shuntaro Yanagi, Kazuki Kitamura, Yui Ichikawa

The opening shot of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a close-up of Akira Tendo’s dead-eyed stare at his computer screen, the fluorescent office lights casting a sickly glow on his face. It’s a moment that encapsulates the soul-crushing monotony director Yusuke Ishida aims to critique—and then subvert—throughout this zombie-comedy hybrid.

Based on the manga by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata, Zom 100 follows Akira (Eiji Akaso), a 24-year-old office worker trapped in a hellish cycle of abuse from his boss Gonzo Kosugi (Kazuki Kitamura) and illogical tasks. When Tokyo erupts into a zombie apocalypse, Akira doesn’t panic—he sees freedom. With his boss turned into one of the undead, Akira grabs a beer and starts a bucket list, determined to live life to the fullest before he inevitably becomes a zombie himself. The premise is absurd, but Ishida leans into it with a frenetic energy that makes the film feel like a cross between Shaun of the Dead and Midnight Diner.

What works best are the moments where the film balances its tonal whiplash. Akira’s first act of rebellion—a morning beer in an abandoned convenience store—is shot with such glee that it’s impossible not to cheer for him. The supporting cast, including Mai Shiraishi as the deadpan Shizuka and Shuntaro Yanagi as the aspiring comedian Kenichiro, add layers of humor and pathos. A standout scene is their visit to a haunted house, where the group’s reactions range from genuine terror to hilarity, underscoring their bond amidst chaos.

The film stumbles when it tries too hard to juggle its genres. The horror elements are campy but effective, yet the action sequences often feel rushed, lacking the tension or creativity seen in better zombie fare like Train to Busan. The third act’s reveal about the pandemic’s origins—tied to a pharmaceutical company weaponizing a comet-borne virus—feels tacked on, more like an afterthought than a meaningful payoff.

The performances are a mixed bag. Akaso’s Akira is charming in his deadpan delivery, but the role doesn’t demand much depth. Shiraishi steals scenes with her dry wit, while Yanagi’s comedic timing elevates even the weakest gags. The live-action adaptation benefits from its source material’s quirky spirit, though it occasionally struggles to translate the manga’s visual flair into cinematic terms.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a lively, if uneven, entry in the zombie genre. It’s at its best when embracing the absurdity of its premise, but stumbles when it tries to ground itself in more conventional storytelling.