Portrait of a Zombie is a dark and hilarious mockumentary following the Murphy family, who face social isolation having made the decision to care for their undead son Billy, keeping him “safe” inside a bedroom in a straightjacket and muzzle. This is the second feature from director Bing Bailey, co-written and produced by wife Laura Morand-Bailey.

The Irish community reveal their fears and hostilities to camera in a number of interviews filmed by the bickering crew (who are led by a pompous, opportunistic director). As an Irish Vegetarian Society member says, “People are always making fun of vegetarians. You’re all for eating meat, except when you’re the meat. It’s not so fucking funny then, is it?” Meanwhile, Billy’s pregnant girlfriend still hopes the Catholic Church will allow her to marry the father of her unborn child.

Despite the humour this is not one for the faint-hearted: there are a couple of scenes designed to please the genre fans. Portrait of  Zombie however, is no bargain-bucket genre flick, it is a smart, well-crafted film, the effectiveness of which relies as much on social commentary and believable dialogue as it does on blood and gore.

Katie Baldock

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