New Zombie Short ‘Chemical 12-D’

I love being introduced to independent filmmakers in the horror world because it’s a good reminder that there really is more to the scene than the sludge being churned out by studio execs. Thanks to Stu from Buy Zombie, I was directed to the work of Chicago filmmaker Mac Eldridge and his new zombie short Chemical 12-D.

The story surrounds Michael Frank who has been living alone in a post apocalyptic world for some time. He tries to cope with his new existence by searching for a cure that will end the zombie outbreak. One day, he comes across a newly mutated specimen that he uses to experiment a new drug on–Chemical 12-D. Will this lead him to the answers he has been searching for?

This 7 minute short captures the absolute despair felt by its characters with a strong performance from Bill Stoneking in the lead of Michael Frank. The score by Rob Davis is perfectly understated with all the right emotional triggers. There are some interesting details throughout the film such as Frank’s ‘lab coat’ that has an embroidered name tag reading ‘Frank’–insinuating he was formerly a butcher or something other than what the zombie outbreak has forced him to become, a fly by night scientist desperate for answers. There’s enough gore to keep the gorehounds entertained, but the story is far more interesting. Eldridge’s focus on the face, hands and gestures of the film’s characters is poetic and sorrowful; a perfect compliment to what has become an almost mundane but still highly emotional journey at the story’s focus.

Chemical 12-D is available for only 8 bucks (including shipping and taxes) online and I highly recommend picking up a copy today. Zombie, horror or indie film fans will find this gem a great addition to their collection. Let me know what you think and spread the word.

Images © Mac Eldridge and used with permission