I love a low budget amateur horror, Amazon Prime is full of them, some great, some terrible. Death Walks looked really promising, unfortunately it was a massive disappointment. The film has to be commended for the zero budget achievement, looks miles better than a lot of other no/low budget productions. Some great acting, good direction, editing, brilliant camerawork, perfect music and an amazing location all add up to such a wasted opportunity. Meandering plot lines and character arcs that go absolutely nowhere and take forever to get there, it's half an hour before anything happens and even then what does happen is not worth the wait. They should've just made a straightforward zombie film, they had tons of great cast and resources they could've really pulled off something special, in stead we have a terrible, utterly ridiculous story with a twist (or two?) that just doesn't work. I really had to force myself to watch it till the end, such a let down. Real shame.
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Flashroxx28 November 2020
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jaxknev1 April 2021Not exactly horror, but a really enjoyable community project with some interesting headline actors. Like with No Reasons there were a few good aspects, but the actoing was pretty poor and camerawork varied.
Some actually really goods laughs and the director carries the tagliner used in No Reasons here, or should I say vice Versa "This is like a bad horror film" the maker knowingly acknowledging the films limitatations. -
Right so after searching for absolutely anything to watch because I'm seriously running out of things to watch I saw this on prime. I googled it and saw that it had amazing reviews on hear and Wikipedia. And saw that it was made with no budget. So after seeing the film that was shot on a iPhone I thought I'd give it a try.
So what I found at first and mostly threw the film is it had security guard jobs down to a T. After working in a shopping center myself all the cast were spot on with the things that appen while working in that environment. The acting was good.
The music fit well. For the most part it had a score that really made you feel dred.
Camera and editing was OK. Basically what you'd expect for a independent no budget film.
The make-up was pretty crap and the extras were exactly what it says on the tin. Regular people with a bit of pen in them.
The story was poor tho. The build up was good nothing happens tho.
The zombies do not move at all and people walk past them bump into them and they do nothing. Then out of nowhere people get killed buy them..and how...exactly.
After the first 30min build up its garbage the bit where nothing is supposed to happen is the best bit then when things happen it gets boring.
Then it just ends somthing might have happened but I started writing this before it finished but as far as I can tell it just ended randomly.
Give it a watch but keep your finger on the fast forward button so you cam smash it out in 30min. -
Leofwine_draca12 February 2018DEATH WALKS is less a film, more a social experiment: the director decided to see if he could make a feature-length film for no money at all, and did so. No matter that the resultant movie is completely rubbish and unwatchable, of course - it's not like that's important at all. This British indie timewaster was shot in a deserted shopping centre and seems to be paying tribute to DAWN OF THE DEAD with the tale of a small-scale zombie invasion. A few familiar faces appear here and there, but overall it's just a load of slow build up and no pay off. I had to laugh at some of the cheesy overdirection, like the laughable slow motion scenes, and the fact that the zombies do absolutely nothing at all.
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mikeledo1 July 2017Zombie film shot in a mall. First 35 minutes is light character build up and filler. Twist ending which may be why the acclaim, it sure wasn't the acting.
The film opens letting you know it was won a couple of indie fest awards and was filmed with no budget, apparently attempting to prejudice the viewer, something that must be done when a film can not stand up on its own merits under scrutiny. The overall scene framing wasn't that good with too many scenes off center. The characters were boring in spite of the attempts of making the women sexual predators. Twist ending was fine, but then they tried to get cute and ruined it.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. -
barcode724 August 2017First off i just wanna say that i'm not sure if all of these glowing reviews are not just from the film makers themselves, or family members/friends etc, but what i am sure of, is that i have ZERO connection to this movie, so you know my review is 100% honest. To start with, the acting is obviously not going to be brilliant when you have a cast of non-actors being paid nothing, so be understanding of that if you choose to watch this, as for the rest of the production, i was nicely surprised at what these guys and girls achieved with a zero budget, the musical score was brilliant, very John Carpenter-esque, it reminded me of the original "The Fog" the FX were OK, and the twist was pretty cool as well, now i'm no film maker myself so i have no idea how tough it is to make a film, so i'm not going to knock these guys for having a go, having said that, i think with a decent budget, these guys could do so much better, in the end, i applaud the effort, and i had fun watching it, and isn't that what we all want from movies. Good effort guys, 5 out of 10 from me.
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lottieme20 January 2017Just watched this film the story was about a group of zombies that attacks a shopping mall so i thought this would be like Dawn Of The dead but it's not. It's not really a zombie film at all as you'll discover if you watch it i'm not sure if its meant to be a judgement on social culture or not though.
The acting is bad the story is good the music is very good too especially at the end. There are some good jokes in the film lots of silly humour. I loved the kids getting chopped up in the fan.
I really hoped to get a film like dawn of the dead so i'm sad that its not. Its not really horror either its more like a comedy sort of like Doghouse or Sean Of The dead but not as funny. -
Lostintranslation8917 July 2016I was thrilled to attend the world premiere of death walks on 15th July.
First of all I need to break down my vote, I have voted the film a 10 based on the fact the movie, ready for this... Cost no money to make. The people that made the film, either contributed talent, time, or blagged stuff.
Based on the fact the movie had no money, I've given it a ten, because you simply could not achieve better for nothing.
The film is about a shopping centre that experiences a zombie invasion in the middle of the night. This huge cast of characters spend the night not really understanding the threat that is inside their very centre. The whole cast act very relaxed about what's happening, because nobody actually experiences what is wrong with the zombies, it's just a group of heavily scarred people that just turn up and "hang out" not doing anything bad to anyone, until that is, an individual is left alone. I was amazed at the whopping twist about 3/4 of the way in, and in the last five minutes another twist. This film is funny, thrilling, has wonderful music, lasts the right amount of time, and gives all the traits a horror fan really likes without really being scary. It's a fairly light 60 minutes before it all gets a bit dark.
The film followed with a question and answer section with most of the main cast, during which we discovered that most of the cast had never acted before, I have to say there were two bad performances in the film, the rest were just great. Everyone on the stage seemed genuinely pleased to be part of the project, and director Spencer Hawken was just a delight. The film had technical issues, not just in the making but on the night, when the correct copy failed to play. But this didn't matter.
I had no involvement in the film, but I live in the town it was filmed, in fact in the same building. I was incredibly proud of all the people, I was amazed to see a legend like Francesca not only in the film, but there just 8 metres away from me on stage. I'm so proud of everyone, to make a movie this amazing, for free, and in the town I love so much.
You really MUST see this movie. -
Another amazing film from newly found director Spencer Hawken. No budget, no problem!
I loved this film. This director is amazing. I watched his newer film, No Reasons and was blow away. I had to dig deeper into his filmography and came up here.
He pulled this no budget film together. Storywise it was great, the characters so natural and the camera work phenominal. Old school FX is always a winner with me. Watch this! Watch it twice!
I'm Mr. Hawken's biggest fan....in America that is. I want more cinema from him. -
grahamhills30 July 2016I have just stepped away from a screening of Death Walks, and I have to say for a first time filmmaker and first time actors this movie has cult classic written all over it.
As the film begins we are told it cost nothing to make and I'm telling you now for a no budget movie, this film outsmarts many much higher budget films.
In terms of zombie action, you might be a little disappointed this is not a conventional zombie movie, but that's part of the twist. It has no real special effects either, but it does have excellent performances, wonderful twists, scorching soundtrack and super surprising cameos.
Death Walks has issues, but in the big scheme of things they are minor. I honestly believe that this will be a movie that reinvents the wheel. Its a masterclass in handling low budget, while delivering something we have never seen in a zombie movie. I've seen lots of bad horror movies of late but this one has me excited for the future. Well done to the films makers. -
cornishtexan31 July 2016Two nights ago I was treated to a secret screening at Merlin cinema. The film was limited but every seat was full. We were told nothing about the film other than we needed to be over 15 and that there was the chance of a couple of jumps.
Obviously the film was Death Walks doing a show as research. Having searched the director Spencer Hawken I see he has a lot of fingers in lots of pies, one of those pies is Blake's 7.this was the game of thrones of its day and bad a habit of killing off its central characters, as Hawken does here, the one character you like the most meets a shock death about 35 minutes in.
Death walks is a first time writing, producing and directing gig for Hawken, who dispute delivery a pretty solid story, lacks the maturity to deliver the films two massive twists more in a more shocking way. The camera crew suffer with focus issues. But by the by this is a fairly impressive British film. I'm told the film cost nothing, but if I was told it cost £25k I'd believe that too. Compared to about 95% of other British films this is top draw stuff.
Someone behind me said there were lots of unanswered questions, but I suspect this is deliberate I don't think this is going to be the only Death Walks movie. Either that or this new master of horror is playing a very old game where not every question should be answered. -
info-3103419 January 2017I was really impressed with this film. It's so hard to imagine how our industry has changed. Ten years ago, it would have been impossible to create a low budget movie and it be even half reasonable. Now here we are 2017 and this movie crops up.
I'm an avid Amazon Prime user, having some English heritage I love to see low budget film, but after a week of truly diabolical films that included Vampire Resurrection, The Witching Tree and May I Kill you! I stumbled upon Death Walks. I'd never even heard of it before until I took to google to find out more. Shot for nothing and we are not talking low budget here, we are talking no budget, this movie took 3 years to make.
The storyline was really good, some nice twists and turns. Amazing color grading gave the film a classy edge and then there is the John Carpenteresque score.
The film looks and feels like a movie that had a budget, it also does not feel particularly British, yes the accents are British at times a bit too British, but the look is something more international. It's a really solid looking movie, with life and vitality. It's at times very amusing, at times silly and it has the most unexpected twist.
I cannot believe how good this little movie was, I watched it alone, but plan to show my wife this weekend during our rest time. I lift my hat to everyone who made this movie. It really is something else. Well done! -
saeed-6827427 April 2021I was really impressed with this film. It's so hard to imagine how our industry has changed. Ten years ago, it would have been impossible to create a low budget movie and it be even half reasonable. Now here we are 2017 and this movie crops up.
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brentwoodsales18 January 2017So i've been following the DEath Walks story for a while. So I should point out, there was no money spent making the film. I should point this out, because some wannabe reviewers can't seem to grasp this fact.
The film story is average, the acting at times wooden, the script moves from sublime to dire. But all these things must pass. This film was made for nothing, not a bean. This should mean something should it not?
Death Walks is one of those films, you watch it, but you have to have the budget clear in your head. This is not a movie that you can look at without knowing the budget, to help you it reminds you at the start. Take that into account and the film is a winner. Some nice cast, OK performances, good camera-work and a great score. But...
It cost nothing.
At the point of making the film nobody had any experience (you know that if you do your research) how amazing is it to make an entire film, at near on 90 minutes in an enormous set for free.
I take my hat off to every single person in this movie, you have created a thing of great beauty, it's cleverly done, because it cost nothing.
If your going to slate this movie just keep repeating it cost nothing to make, it cost nothing to make, it cost nothing to make. Then ask yourself could you do better? -
Garrington195420 January 2017Just watched Death Walks, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it to be honest. Like all low budget British films it's clearly lacking something. But that's not in the production value. It just lacks the polish, it's not poor quality like lots of British films. It's just very average. Neither good nor bad. The good thing I guess is that I watched it to the end, as in right to the very end, I was pleased to see Jessie Williams in the film, as she is one of those people I've grown up with in terms of television. It's quite top see her out of her usual surroundings i.e. kids TV.
The story was really good, with some really good twists, including one I don't think has ever been done in a movie before, although I could be wrong.
There is this really awful performance from this woman with a bizarre strange voice quite near the end, talking about dismemberment or some such.
Had the film not have had a fairly unique twist this would be a four star rating. But for going in a new direction it deserves some reward. Having done some research I see there is already a kind of sequel already made with a bigger budget, so i'll be looking out for that. -
Death Walks Premier the 15th July 2016.
Where do I start. A movie to watch full of beautiful people who devoted there time and energy for free, yes ones man's vision Spencer Hawkin to produce a movie with a zero budget has become reality.
Biased though I am, I will say Death Walks has been an inspiration for a large amount of the cast and crew involved and some have continued to grow careers in the industry. Pleased with the fortune of the best line in film 'That can be arranged' a simple line but so well placed a must see to get the full picture.
So pleased to hear that proceeds of Death Walks will contribute to future people in Film and TV Education.
All involved need a big than you well done. -
carlx12318 July 2016i went to see the premiere last Friday, i was dragged along by a mate who was in the film. I hate zombie films, and i thought the trailer for this one was really bad.
I have never been so wrong in my entire life, i loved this film from 10 minutes in. It looks so cool, yet it cost nothing to make. the acting was great, and apparently most of the cast had never acted before.
The music was just epic on every level. I cannot believe how much fun this film is, i laughed loads, its not scary, its just mysterious. I came out the cinema wanting to watch it again. Really liked the character Jon. special effects were not good, if there actually were any. The end credits sequence was amazing. Very, very funny film. Loved it, I think its going to reach cult status. -
arsandell13 March 2021Good watch and believe me as a no budget horror the Director Spencer Hawken has done an amazing job. Actors did well too.
Great to see a horror legend on screen Francesca Ciardi.
The movie was shot in a shopping centre and has alot of entertainment value, so wait until its dark switch your lights off and enjoy the horror which awaits you! -
sarah20303 October 2020So stumbled upon this film the other day and I have to say i was incredibly impressed.
The film has a lot of issues, a mix of known actors that can clearly act and some that cannot and clearly have no experience. The story is largely fractured by a continual cutting from one character to another, which made me lose it a couple of times.
So why the 10 star review? This film was a community project, and somehow made it from being a small community project to something that is freely available across the world. You think of the movies with budget that fail and disappear into obscurity, this film should give every filmmaker hope. I thoroughly enjoyed it, yes it has flaws but its story is unique, different, unexpected.... And lets face it, in the current climate all we ever want to see is something different, this is it.
Well done to every person involved. -
billnick6122 July 2016I'll put my cards on the table from the start and say that this review can't be completely unbiased, as I was fortunate enough to have a bit part in the film.
Like a previous reviewer, I feel that one of the best things I can say about Death Walks is that you would never guess that it did not cost a penny to make - it looks fantastic. Nor would you ever guess that the cast and crew were almost all first timers and amateurs.
Death Walks is a labour of love for director Spencer Hawken. It was three years in the making, and he has created a very professional film with great determination and a lot of very hard work. It's an incredible achievement.
There are some excellent performances here, from Dumping Ground star Jessie Williams in her first adult role, Martin Holland in his first ever acting role, Karis Pentecost, Daniel Smales and Scott Mullins, among many others. Special mention should go to Jon Guerriero, who plays John the security guard. Jon's performance is particularly impressive when you discover that he is not actually an actor - he is in fact a real-life security guard at the Mercury Mall, where the film was shot.
The film also has a casting coup - Italian horror legend Francesca Ciardi appears as the mysterious Lucrezia. Ciardi starred in possibly the most notorious horror movie of all time - Cannibal Holocaust. She had not made a film for about 25 years, but was persuaded out of retirement by the quality of Hawken's script and also because she was impressed by the fact that Death Walks was a real community project.
I love the opening minutes of the film. We see the mall emptying out as time ticks towards closing time. Things get quieter and more sedate until the mall is closed and the security guards settle in for another night of boredom - or so they think. It's a slow-moving but strangely engrossing sequence, and seems to be very well-observed. Not surprising, as Hawken's day job is deputy manager of Mercury Mall.
We are gradually introduced to a fairly large cast of characters who are still in the mall - mostly staff closing up and getting ready to leave. Then things take a curious turn when someone turns up at the door and is let in by a concerned John.
I won't give away any more of the story than that, but obviously things get nasty. This is a zombie movie after all. Although this is unlike any other zombie movie you have ever seen.
As a previous reviewer has commented, the film isn't massively scary, but this is not a problem. It is a fun ride - rather tense and very funny. There are several genuine laugh out loud moments as we see the night's events through the experiences of the various characters who are trapped in the mall.
The script (by Hawken) is littered with the profane, sarcastic dialogue that is typical of the local area. This is most definitely a Romford movie.
I must give a special mention to Tom Wolfe, who is responsible for the incredibly good soundtrack. It sets a great atmosphere and is reminiscent of the music of The Thing, Escape From New York and The Fog - not surprising, since John Carpenter is one of Hawken's major influences.
On a personal level, I had an absolute blast being involved in the making of Death Walks. I know that goes for the rest of the cast and crew too, and I think it shows in the film. It's a very entertaining 85 minutes - wild and wickedly funny with a couple of shocking twists that I guarantee will leave you open-mouthed and shaking your head. I believe Death Walks has the ability to become a cult classic.
If you get the chance to see it, I thoroughly recommend it! -
bogdan-6481319 March 2021Credit where credit is due, a group of people most of whom are not actors (Obviously) to create this weird little film that cost nothing. In terms of acting its a little like watching a school play, but in terms of plot, music and cinematography this is a pretty solid film.
I really enjoyed the film as it drew to a close after twist, after twist after twist were revealed, the writer clearly has a love of Hitchcock. Best of all none of the twists were obviously, nothing quite ran as expected.
I had a laugh both intentially designed by the makers, then less intentially "acting" but at the end of the day, big movies get big budgets and can be totally unrewarding, this took no resources and delivered a solid little amateur movie.
Shockingly of all, was the appearance of Francesca Ciardi, I remember in the 90s watching Cannibal Holocaust behind a pillow and being totally in fear. Then when looking at the actors that were solid such as her and Jon Guerriero the security guard, I was astonished to see that this was the same woman. Sheer masterstroke to get an actor from the most shocking movie of all time into your low budget movie! -
Zombiegirl201622 July 2016When it comes to low budget Brit zombie films, you have Before Dawn, Colin, Devils Playground, Zombie Diaries.... They are nothing compared to this. Spencer Hawkins has bought a brand new style of zombie horror on a budget of nothing. I was glued to the film from the minute it started. Yes technically it has flaws sometimes big ones, but compare a film with no budget to films with some, these guys are changing the quality of low budget film making. Jon Guerriero was so much fun to watch, Francesca reeked of style and elegance. I love this film so much I'm going to by the DVD the minute it's realised. There was never one moment where I was bored this is perfectly timed from start to finish.