Warning! This review contains spoilers for season 1 of Santa Clarita Diet.
When it comes to zombie movies and TV shows, we've seen it before and we'll see it again. And despite this, our hunger for new flesh eater content seems to be never satisfied.
But while the space in general has become both crowded and a little sleepy, Netflix's latest original series Santa Clarita Diet brings a fresh storyline, awaking our senses with the need to feed—our eyes that is—and keep on binge-watching.
Santa Clarita Diet is the breath of fresh air the undead genre needed.
However, before the viewer can truly appreciate the series, they will probably wonder whether or not it's even watchable. This is because going into the series with just the basic knowledge that it's about Drew Barrymore's character who eats people, the first episode can be a lot to swallow.
Give it a chance, stream a few episodes, and before the viewer knows it, they will be intoxicated by its bite. Just like Timothy Olyphant's character learned how to cope with the act of murder, the viewer works up an appetite for Santa Clarita Diet as it grows on you.
Starring Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore, the series is about husband and wife Joel and Shelia Hammond who are realtors that live typical lives in the perfect little suburb of L.A. That is until one day Sheila starts projectile vomiting and throws up a small, red ball.
As a result, she somehow becomes undead, no longer with a pulse or the ability to bleed, but the very specific need of one thing: fresh human flesh.
The series follows the couple and their teenage daughter Abby (Liv Hewson) as they try to adjust to their new lives and search for a cure.
Instead of Shelia transforming into a Walker-like zombie, she is just a new and improved version of herself—just now impulsive and has a new taste in things.
In it's bones, Santa Clarita Diet is all about the humor. A very distinct kind of humor that takes watching at least two episodes to get a clearer picture of.
And while there are shows like Ash vs. the Evil Dead that take a comedic approach on zombies, Santa Clarita Diet is lighthearted (with some dark humor) and just as fun watch. The series can come off a bit cheesy or a touch too quriky at first, but the viewer will appreciate it for this in the end.
It is a zombie show at heart though, so Barrymore will sink her teeth into a good meal for audiences. That means lots and lots of gore, which might be a turn off for some.
Part of the reason the humor works so well is because of the brilliant casting choice of have showrunner Barrymore play Shelia.
It's clear that the actress was perfect for this role. It's Barrymore in full on Barrymore. She is adorable (seriously, she looks good), quirky, with a dash of ditzy and crazy—exactly what you would picture a suburban California mom-turn-zombie be.
Shelia is paradoxically so freaking happy for someone who is undead. And her spirit, just like her chemistry with her co-star, is infectious. They will also fall in love with this husband and wife duo. Barrymore and Olyphant are irresistible.
Olyhant's character is as equally likable as Barrymore's. In fact, the two actors really feed off of each other's energy perfectly.
Joel is such a devoted husband that he is willing to humor his wife and help her eat, as long as he can blow off steam with a joint to smoke first.
Joel's character in particular comes a long way, and it's entertaining to watch him evolve too throughout the series. He is charmingly manic at times, but is always reliable.
With it's strong lead and supporting cast and it's twisted, fun humor, the series ends on a cliffhanger to welcome more episodes to come. The series also just focused primarily on this one family, so there is lots of opportunity for the show's world to continue to grow.
Those looking for some deep meaning in this series will be pleased that are touches of female empowerment, but disappointed when Shelia does need a man's help to get the job done. At it's core, Santa Clarita Diet seems to be just another love story. Even still, it's entertaining and sometimes with TV, that's all that really matters.
With short 30 minute episodes to nibble on, Santa Clarita Diet is perfect for binging.
Season 1 of Santa Clarita Diet is now streaming on Netflix.
