Detailed Summary
Opening: Meet the Scouts
The film begins by introducing three high-schoolers still clinging to their childhood club: Ben, Carter, and Augie, all dedicated (well, mostly) members of the Boy Scouts. Their troop leader, Scout Leader Rogers, is comically overenthusiastic, making it clear that only Augie is still deeply committed. Ben and Carter are on the verge of quitting, wanting to feel more “grown-up,” while Augie is blissfully unaware of their plans.
The Outbreak Begins
A lab technician accidentally triggers a zombie outbreak in a local research facility, and through a chain of hilariously disastrous events, the infection spreads into the small town. Meanwhile, the boys head out for a scouting camp to earn their latest badges, meaning they miss the start of the apocalypse entirely.
Sneaking into Town and First Encounters
When Ben and Carter sneak into town in hopes of hitting a wild party, they discover the town is eerily deserted—until they run into their first zombies. Their scout skills become unexpectedly useful, especially when combined with makeshift weapons and Carter’s chaotic improvisation.
Enter Denise, the Badass Cocktail Waitress
The trio encounters Denise, a confident, no-nonsense woman who works at a strip club and becomes their reluctant mentor in zombie survival. She teaches them how to aim, shoot, and survive with a calm professionalism that makes the boys simultaneously admire and fear her.
The Search for Kendall and the Party
Ben is determined to find his crush, Kendall, and the boys learn there is a massive senior party happening on the outskirts of town—completely unaware of the zombie danger heading their way. As the party becomes the prime target for the growing horde, the scouts embrace their oath and decide they must become the unlikely heroes of the night.
Movie Ending
In the finale, the boys launch a full-scale rescue mission to save the teens trapped at the senior party. They unleash the full power of their scout training, transforming everyday tools into weapons. There’s an over-the-top climax involving fireworks, zombie carnage, and a surprisingly emotional bond between the trio.
Augie confronts Scout Leader Rogers—now a zombie—and manages to hold him off long enough for the others to escape. The boys trap the zombies inside the building, ignite a massive explosion, and eliminate the entire horde in one spectacularly dramatic hit.
After the dust settles, Ben finally gets his moment with Kendall—yes, that moment he’s been dreaming about—and the boys walk away battered but victorious. Their friendship, once shaky, becomes stronger than ever, and they step into a new phase of their lives, not as scouts… but as survivors.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There is one small gag-style scene after the credits begin. It’s comedic rather than plot-relevant, leaning into the film’s playful tone, but it does not set up a sequel or add to the lore.
Type of Movie
This is a horror-comedy that blends raunchy teen humor with zombie mayhem. It doesn’t take itself seriously, aiming for fun, splatter, and over-the-top antics rather than deep emotional stakes.
Cast
- Tye Sheridan as Ben
- Logan Miller as Carter
- Joey Morgan as Augie
- Sarah Dumont as Denise
- David Koechner as Scout Leader Rogers
- Halston Sage as Kendall
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Matthew Margeson, who leaned into a blend of energetic, youthful orchestration and pulsing modern touches to amplify the comedic-horror tone.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, and various suburban surroundings. The neighborhoods, forested areas, and abandoned buildings were chosen to contrast the innocence of small-town America with chaotic zombie outbreak scenes. The anonymity of the locations helps the humor and horror feel relatable, as if this could happen in any quiet town.
Awards and Nominations
While the film didn’t receive major mainstream awards, it gained recognition in cult horror-comedy circles and was frequently highlighted for its inventive practical effects and comedic timing.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Joey Morgan (Augie) filmed many of his scenes with improvised reactions due to his natural comedic timing.
- David Koechner reportedly improvised several zombie-leader moments, adding a strange but hilarious intensity.
- The production team used a mix of practical zombie makeup and CGI enhancements to keep the effects grounded and visually engaging.
- The director pushed for 80s-style zombie aesthetics as a tribute to classic comedy-horror films.
Inspirations and References
- Strongly inspired by 80s and early 90s horror comedies, such as The Return of the Living Dead and Night of the Creeps.
- The idea of teens vs. zombies channels films like Zombieland, but with an added twist of scouts and survivalism.
- The Boy Scouts culture itself served as a comedic foil to the horror, contrasting innocence with chaos.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A deleted scene involved a longer version of the boys using scouting gadgets in a Home Depot-style store.
- An alternate gag ending showed Scout Leader Rogers’ zombie hand giving a final twitch in the rubble, but it was cut for pacing.
- There were trimmed sequences of the party-goers interacting before the attack, meant to build more character introduction, but removed to keep the film action-focused.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a book, though it borrows tropes from zombie literature and classic survival adventures.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The trampoline backyard zombie fight.
- Denise teaching the boys how to shoot with military precision.
- Carter using a leaf blower in a way that defies all logic—but fits the movie perfectly.
- The explosive finale at the senior party.
Iconic Quotes
- “We’re scouts. We’re trained for this.”
- “What kind of badge do we get for this?”
- “Tonight, we save the world… or at least the cool kids.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Several zombie designs were modeled after crew members as inside jokes.
- The badge on Augie’s sash reading “Prepared for Anything” becomes literally true as the film progresses.
- Posters in Ben’s room reference classic zombie films, including subtle nods to Romero.
Trivia
- Joey Morgan’s role became a breakout performance, earning him cult-favorite status.
- The producers encouraged on-set improvisation to maintain natural comedic chemistry.
- The zombie cats scene was nearly cut because it was “too weird,” but test audiences loved it.
Why Watch?
Watch this film if you enjoy irreverent horror-comedies that deliver fast-paced action, teen humor, and inventive zombie chaos. It’s a fun ride that doesn’t demand seriousness—just a willingness to enjoy the absurdity.
Director’s Other Movies
- Happy Death Day (2017)
- Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
- Freaky (2020)
- We Have a Ghost (2023)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Zombieland (2009)
- The Final Girls (2015)
- Shaun of the Dead (2004)
- Freaks of Nature (2015)
- Warm Bodies (2013)
