New Life, penned and directed by John Rosman, is what happens when you blend contagion, a cat-and-mouse chase, and a healthy dose of “what-the-fuck” moments into one cinematic cocktail.

Right out of the gate, we meet Jessica, played by Hayley Erin, who looks like she just came from a cage match with a wolverine and lost. She’s bloody, bruised, and running for her life from a bunch of gun-toting suits. No explanation, no backstory, just pure, raw panic that leaves you gripping the edge of your seat wondering what the hell is going on. To talk about this film, I think I’m gonna have to spoil some things so beware.

Now, let’s talk about Elsa, portrayed by Sonya Walger. She’s introduced as a potential hitman but nope, that’s not her gig. Instead, she’s this badass contract fixer with a ticking ALS time bomb inside her, making her the most dedicated and tragic hunter you’ve ever seen. She’s chasing down Jessica who, surprise surprise, is carrying a super-duper version of “Ebola” that makes you wanna douse yourself in hand sanitizer just thinking about it.

Rosman keeps his cards close to the chest with details of the plot very gradually revealed for most of the movie. Jessica isn’t just running from the law; she’s running from becoming patient zero in a potential zombie apocalypse. Yeah, you heard me right – we’re talking gnarly, boil-covered, flesh-eating freaks. Elsa stumbles upon a zombified elderly couple, and her reaction, “This isn’t Ebola, Raymond!” is pure cinematic gold. I want that line on a t-shirt.

Jessica’s journey is a parade of bad decisions. She stops at a bar, shares a drink with Molly (the film’s best character, hands down, played by Ayanna Berkshire), and you just know things are gonna go south faster than a lead balloon. Sure enough, Jessica’s trail of infection follows her like a bad smell, and the kind souls who help her end up as the next entries in the film’s growing zombie roster.

Speaking of zombies, the makeup effects are disgustingly brilliant. I needed more of that visceral, gut-churning horror, but instead, the movie tries to balance its gorefest with some high-minded themes about contagion, personal responsibility, and the failing of our mortal bodies. By no means am I saying that horror can’t be “high brow”, but their inclusion here was a bit of a detractor.

The direction and editing have their moments, but it’s clear Rosman was juggling a lot. The film’s pacing is a bit erratic. There’s an excellent movie in here, but it’s got its flaws. The scenes with the infected are where New Life truly shines – they’re tense, terrifying, and make you realize this film could have been a top-tier horror flick if it just leaned fully into the chaos.

New Life is a wild, sometimes maddening ride that’s worth a watch. It’s like a dish cooked by a chef who’s high on something – a mix of brilliant flavors with a few burnt edges. Would I watch it again? Maybe not. But am I glad I experienced the flick? Absolutely. Pour yourself a stiff drink, sit back, and let New Life take you on a trip you won’t soon forget.

Director: John Rosman
Writer: John Rosman
Released May 3, 2024