George A. Romero basically invented the modern zombie. He gave us the shuffling, gray-skinned ghouls that represent our own societal rot. But let’s be real—after decades of The Walking Dead and endless gritty reboots, the genre felt a little... stiff. Enter his daughter, Tina Romero.
She didn't just pick up the family torch; she dipped it in glitter and used it to light a warehouse party on fire. Tina Romero Queens of the Dead is her feature directorial debut, and honestly, it’s the most refreshing thing to happen to the undead since 1968.
What Most People Get Wrong About Queens of the Dead
A lot of horror purists heard "drag queen zombie movie" and assumed it would be a low-budget parody or a toothless camp-fest. They were wrong. While the movie definitely leans into comedy, it treats the horror with a level of respect that would make her father proud. We aren't talking about "safe" horror here.
The film follows a group of drag performers, club kids, and various "frenemies" who get trapped in a Brooklyn warehouse during a zombie outbreak. Think Paris Is Burning meets Dawn of the Dead. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. And yes, there is literally "glitter in the blood."
The Plot: Not Your Average Apocalypse
Basically, the story centers on Dre (played by the incredible Katy O'Brian), a promoter trying to pull off a massive party in Bushwick. Everything is going wrong even before the corpses start walking. The headliner bails, the community is bickering, and Dre is stressed out of her mind.
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When a zombie-bit clubgoer wanders onto the dance floor, the party turns into a literal fight for survival. The genius of the script, which Tina co-wrote with Erin Judge, is how it uses the "unique skills" of the performers. If you can walk in six-inch heels while dodging drama, you can probably handle a slow-moving zombie.
The Cast is Actually Stacked
This isn't some tiny indie with no names. Tina Romero managed to pull together a lineup that feels like a fever dream of queer excellence.
- Katy O’Brian: fresh off Love Lies Bleeding, she brings that grounded, gritty energy.
- Jaquel Spivey: who you might know from Mean Girls or A Strange Loop. He plays Sam, a nurse who has to resurrect his drag persona, Samyonce, to save the day.
- Margaret Cho: playing "Pops," because of course she is.
- Dominique Jackson: of Pose fame.
- Nina West: a RuPaul’s Drag Race legend who proves she has serious acting chops.
The cast even includes a massive nod to the Romero legacy with an appearance by Tom Savini. He plays an inept mayor who insists—hilariously—that this is definitely not a "George A. Romero scenario."
Why the "Romero" Name Actually Matters Here
Tina didn't just get this job because of her last name. She’s been a staple in the NYC scene for years as DJ TRx. She knows the world of nightlife—the "glam-gore," the sweat, the specific way people in the queer community both fight and protect each other.
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The movie is a total departure from the bleak, gray-toned political commentary of her father’s later work. It’s vibrant. It’s shot with a "one-camera" setup that feels kinetic and raw. Tina has mentioned in interviews that she started with a lookbook influenced by Euphoria and Atomic Blonde. She wanted to "glam the gore."
Behind the Scenes: A "Scrappy" Production
Despite the big names, this was a low-budget, "rock and roll" shoot. They filmed in late 2024, and the production was famously strapped for cash. Tina has joked about writing letters to the cast—literally begging them to do it "for the queers."
That heart shows up on screen. You can feel that everyone involved wanted to be there. It’s not a corporate product; it’s a labor of love that premiered at Tribeca in June 2025 and took home the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
The Cultural Impact: More Than Just Scares
Beyond the jump scares and the makeup, Tina Romero Queens of the Dead tackles a theme that resonates deeply right now: community resilience. Tina has been vocal about how the queer community often "devours its own" through internal drama. The zombies are just a catalyst to force these people to stop fighting each other and start fighting the actual threat.
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It’s a "fearless, glam-drenched ride," as Shudder’s acquisitions team put it. And honestly, it’s about time.
Where Can You See It?
The film hit limited theaters on October 24, 2025, through IFC Films and Shudder. If you missed the theatrical run, it’s currently the crown jewel of the Shudder streaming library.
Pro-tip: Don't go in expecting The Last of Us. Go in expecting a party. The runtime is a tight 101 minutes, which is perfect for a movie that never stops moving.
Actionable Takeaways for Horror Fans
- Watch the background: The film is packed with "Easter eggs" and references to George A. Romero's films. Keep an eye out for the specific way the zombies move—it’s a direct homage to the "shuffling" ghouls of the 60s.
- Check out the soundtrack: Since Tina is a DJ, the music is top-tier. It features tracks that feel curated for a real Bushwick warehouse rave.
- Support Indie Horror: Movies like this survive on word-of-mouth. If you want more original, diverse takes on classic monsters, talk about it on social media.
Tina Romero has proven that the Romero legacy isn't just about a specific type of monster. It’s about using those monsters to tell stories about us. And apparently, "us" includes a lot more sequins than we previously thought.