We’ve all likely seen enough zombie films to know that the subgenre needs a break. From George A. Romero to Lucio Fulci and Danny Boyle to Robert Kirkman, the volume of content is endless, and only a small percentage deserves to be considered classic. When a new zombie film gets released, my interest just isn’t there like it used to be. However, a project will occasionally catch my eye, such as Mirror Life: Modern Zombies (2025).
Investigative journalist Tracy Kovalsky (Courtney Cavanagh) and her cameraman set out to uncover the truth behind her brother Jordan’s (Kazy Tauginas) disappearance after he volunteered for an underground clinical trial testing a so-called miracle drug known as Dumitor. When a careless doctor administers painkillers to a test subject, the resulting chemical reaction unleashes a violent rage virus that turns the facility’s staff and patients into bloodthirsty monsters.
As chaos spreads, the building is locked down, and a military cleanup is ordered to erase all evidence. Soon, there will be a desperate fight for survival, and an outbreak ready to consume civilization.
Cleopatra Entertainment is known for releasing low-budget horror fare when it comes to movies, and Mirror Life: Modern Zombies is no exception. It’s the type of film that’s highly ambitious but falls victim to its own shortcomings. That said, writer, director, and actor Kazy Tauginas actually strives to do something different with the narrative, and this is where the film thrives.
In a way, it’s a bit of an anthology, in the sense that when one character’s arc concludes, a new character appears and we move into their tale. It all takes place amid the same catastrophic event. The film attempts to be bigger than it actually is, and it mostly works. I couldn’t help but wonder how fantastic it could have been, given a fair budget.
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The DVD from Cleopatra is well produced with a solid picture and audio mix. There are a generous number of special features, including an audio commentary, trailer, slideshow, deleted scenes, and outtakes. It’s a nice presentation that provides enough extra information to deepen your appreciation of the project.
Mirror Life: Modern Zombies isn’t for everyone; it has plenty of issues. Still, the ambition and story elevate it just enough to make it something worth checking out for hardcore fans of the genre looking for something that takes risks.
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