My Daughter Is a Zombie (2025)

I. PLOT OVERVIEW

My Daughter Is a Zombie (2025) turns the typical zombie apocalypse on its head with a unique blend of slapstick humor, emotional depth, and a whole lot of heart. Directed by Pil Gam-seong, the film follows Jung-hwan (Jo Jung-suk), a widowed zookeeper and single father, who is thrown into a nightmarish situation when his teenage daughter, Soo-ah (Choi Yu-ri), becomes infected in the midst of a global zombie outbreak.

However, instead of succumbing to despair or abandoning his daughter, Jung-hwan applies the only skills he knows—his zookeeper training—to tame Soo-ah’s zombie instincts. Together with his no-nonsense mother, Bam-soon (Lee Jung-eun), and his bumbling yet loyal best friend Dong-bae (Yoon Kyung-ho), Jung-hwan takes on the seemingly impossible mission of keeping Soo-ah safe and attempting to teach her how to control her zombie urges in their rural hometown.

While battling hordes of undead, hidden secrets, and Soo-ah’s feral nature, Jung-hwan’s dedication to his daughter transcends the apocalyptic backdrop, creating a poignant story of parental devotion, identity, and the power of acceptance.

II. THEMES & COMEDIC DEPTH

At its core, My Daughter Is a Zombie is not just a zombie film—it’s a father-daughter story that explores the complexities of parental love, even in the most bizarre and dangerous of circumstances. Jung-hwan’s determination to train his daughter like an animal, teaching her basic survival skills and trying to control her violent tendencies, is both comical and touching. This approach offers a unique take on the zombie genre, where the usual horror is counterbalanced by an emotional journey that focuses on family and survival.

The film also dives into themes of identity and acceptance, with Soo-ah struggling to retain her humanity amid the terrifying zombie instincts that take over her body. Her struggle mirrors the emotional turmoil of anyone who has ever felt trapped between two worlds or caught between past identity and present reality.

The movie shines a light on the bond between generations, particularly through Bam-soon, Jung-hwan’s mother, who, though unafraid of the zombies and completely unfazed by the chaos, adds a layer of comedy and wisdom to the story. This unlikely trio of father, mother, and best friend facing the ultimate parental challenge brings warmth and humor to an otherwise grisly scenario.

III. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The strength of My Daughter Is a Zombie lies in its heartwarming performances, which blend comedy with emotional depth:

• Jo Jung-suk as Jung-hwan is a revelation. Known for his versatility, Jung-suk’s portrayal of a father torn between terror and love is both touching and hilarious. His ability to navigate the absurdity of training his zombie daughter while portraying the depth of a father’s love is a masterclass in comedic pathos.

• Choi Yu-ri as Soo-ah, the last zombie on Earth, brings an interesting mix of ferocity and innocence to the role. Her transformation from a feral, unpredictable force to a more human, loving daughter gives the film its emotional backbone, and her character’s funny moments are as memorable as her more poignant scenes.

• Lee Jung-eun plays Bam-soon, the grandmother who is unbothered by the chaos around her. With a simple back scratcher in hand, she offers comic relief and sage wisdom, making her a standout in the cast. Her no-nonsense attitude in the face of undead danger brings both humor and a sense of grounded reality to the film.

• Yoon Kyung-ho as Dong-bae plays the bumbling best friend with a heart of gold. His awkwardness and loyalty add charm to the film, and his reactions to the chaos are as relatable as they are funny.

IV. CINEMATOGRAPHY AND DIRECTION

Director Pil Gam-seong brings a unique sensibility to My Daughter Is a Zombie. While the premise itself offers a whimsical take on the zombie genre, Pil’s direction balances dark humor with touching moments, creating a film that doesn’t just make you laugh but also tugs at your heartstrings. The zombie choreography, designed by the team behind Kingdom and Peninsula, adds a dynamic and intense edge to the film’s action sequences, making the zombies both terrifying and entertaining.

The cinematography plays with light and shadow, capturing the rural setting of the film with an almost dreamlike quality. The contrast between the serene landscapes and the chaos of the zombie outbreak highlights the juxtaposition of the emotional themes at play—peace versus violence, humanity versus monstrosity.

The visual tone of the film shifts seamlessly between zombie mayhem and family warmth, which is what makes My Daughter Is a Zombie stand out. The scenes of Soo-ah trying to control her instincts are both tense and tender, filled with moments of both humor and heartbreak.

V. FINAL VERDICT

My Daughter Is a Zombie (2025) is an inventive and touching zombie comedy that surprises with its emotional depth and heart. Combining elements of slapstick humor, emotional drama, and light horror, it offers something rare in the zombie genre—a family-friendly story that doesn’t compromise on heart or laughs.

With standout performances, a unique take on the zombie apocalypse, and a charming cast of characters, the film offers both laughs and poignant moments, making it an unexpectedly delightful ride through the undead world. Whether you're a fan of zombie films or just looking for a quirky, heartfelt story, this one delivers both.

Rating: 8/10
A fresh, funny, and surprisingly emotional take on the zombie genre that balances heart with humor, My Daughter Is a Zombie is a zom-com worth watching.