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There are few movies I have watched as many times as Shaun of the Dead. Truth be told, the top spots all belong to Henson films. I don’t mind saying it’s a strange mix. So what is it about 2004′s Shaun of the Dead that makes it infinitely re-watchable? Well, because it happens to be so much more than a “zomcom.”

As a comedy:
There is no denying Shaun is funny. The protagonist’s choice to throw records at their advancing adversaries, Ed’s orangutan impression and “dogs can’t look up” are all genuinely amusing. But there is more here than easy laughs. The cleverness of the writing and the Pegg/Frost performances help elevate the film beyond fart jokes with a zombie background. (Although, there are a few of those too.) Shaun knows its audience, and by infusing such touches as “we’re coming to get you Barbara” and naming “the place that does all the fish” Fulci’s Place, the bits and gags hit close to home. And is there anything better than the pool cue squence set to Queen? There isn’t.

As a zombie flick:
So, as we just established, it’s a funny movie. But it’s also a zombie movie. That’s not an impressive or visionary combination. What is impressive is the fact that it’s not just an effective “horror comedy,” but a shining example of both genres. The subtle reveal of the oncoming zombie threat shown while flipping through channels and glancing at newspapers is a classy way to establish the action. It lets us know what to expect without slamming it over our heads. People are getting sick, there’s a mass Exodus and, wait, did that dude just eat a pigeon? Something isn’t quite right but, much like the characters onscreen, we are too wrapped up in the minutia of the story to really notice. Until the zombies show up, that is. And here, Shaun pulls no punches. These are unsettling undead, not goofy caricatures. Even while Ed and Shaun employ caviler attitudes, as viewers, we feel the pressing weight of the shambling flesh eaters. So it’s funny AND scary. But wait! There’s more!

As social commentary:
George Romero is the king of zombie commentary. While I have (huge) issues with many of his films, I have to admit some of the themes he addresses are genius. Shaun does this too. The film doesn’t shove it down our throats, but there are strong indications from as early as the opening credits that Wright and Pegg are saying we are zombies. The characters that live is this world are all trapped in a monotonous, almost joyless existence. All being stifled by what they won’t (or can’t) express. Mary, the checkout girl, functions similarly in life and death. Shaun barely notices the developing war zone as he ventures to the nearby store. So common is his routine, he sleepwalks through it and fails to see the bigger picture. Perfect segue into…

As a journey of self exploration:
Unless the gore and kills are outstanding, I can’t see myself compulsively re-watching a zombie flick. That is, unless it had intricately drawn characters and relatable, eye-opening revelations. At the film’s start Shaun isn’t a full formed person. He, much like the background characters, is simply going through the motions. He has failed his girlfriend, Liz; he hates his job; he is stuck in first gear. How’s that for relatable? It isn’t until the zombies appear that he steps up. Without provocation Shaun takes on a leadership role, and in doing so, inadvertently accomplishes some self exploration.
“Go round mums
Get Liz back
Sort out life”
One by one Shaun dominates these tasks all while simply trying to survive. He lets go of the childish feelings towards his stepfather, Phillip, and as he dies, finally recognizes him as the true father he had been. Sadly, it took a zombie apocalypse to make Shaun a better man.

Shaun of the Dead is a great example of a hybrid film. Sure it’s funny and full of disembowelment, but it’s also heartfelt. We can all take a lesson from Shaun. Although, I hope we can embrace life and live up to our potential without having to face the undead.