"Santa Clarita Diet," a Netflix original series, has carved a unique niche in the comedy-horror genre. Premiering in February 2017, this slyly satiric sitcom presents a fresh take on zombie narratives, set against the backdrop of sunny, suburban Southern California. While it may have flown somewhat under the radar, the show is a wellspring of dark humor, sharp writing, and compelling performances.
The Undead in Suburbia: The Premise
The series revolves around Joel and Sheila Hammond, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore, respectively. This married couple works as real estate agents in Santa Clarita, California, leading seemingly ordinary lives. However, their world is irrevocably altered when Sheila experiences a violent episode, projectile-vomiting an alarming amount of viscous, yellow fluid while showing a house. Initially attributed to food poisoning, Sheila's condition soon reveals a far more unsettling truth: she is becoming a zombie with a craving for human flesh.
A Diet of the Damned: The Core Conflict
The crux of the show lies in the Hammonds' desperate attempts to navigate Sheila's new undead existence while maintaining a semblance of normalcy. This involves satisfying Sheila’s cravings for human flesh all while leading their “normal” lives. They decide to focus Sheila's appetite on "people who deserve it," leading to a darkly comedic exploration of morality and justice. Their targets include pedophiles, drug dealers, Nazis, crooked cops, and other unsavory characters.
Characters We Love (and Love to Watch)
Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore): A realtor living a life of quiet desperation, until an unexplained illness changes her outlook on life. Sheila embraces her new undead state with surprising enthusiasm, displaying newfound confidence and energy.
Joel Hammond (Timothy Olyphant): Sheila's devoted husband, Joel is desperately trying to find some kind of normalcy in his life, even though “we have to kill people”. He is willing to do anything to keep his family together and safe.
Read also: Santa Clarita Diet Trailer Analysis
Abby Hammond (Liv Hewson): The Hammonds' teenage daughter, Abby is portrayed as dry as dust and dead-pan.
Eric Bemis (Skyler Gisondo): The Hammonds' neighbor, Eric is geeky and full of zombie knowledge, and has a crush on Abby.
Gore and Laughs: The Show's Unique Blend
"Santa Clarita Diet" is not for the faint of heart. The show embraces its horror elements with gusto, featuring graphic scenes of violence and gore. From projectile vomiting to the ripping open of victims, the series doesn't shy away from the macabre. However, these moments are juxtaposed with an upbeat, sitcom aesthetic and sharp comedic writing, creating a unique and often hilarious viewing experience.
Beyond the Gore: Themes and Social Commentary
Like all pretty white suburban protagonists, Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore) is living a life of quiet desperation. At their best, zombies are a physical manifestation the ills that plague our society-anything from crass consumerism to our fixation on meaningless violence. The show also touches on themes of marriage, family, and identity. The Hammonds' unconventional situation forces them to confront their own values and redefine their relationships.
Critical Reception and Cancellation
Despite its strong writing, compelling performances, and unique premise, "Santa Clarita Diet" was canceled by Netflix after three seasons. This decision was met with disappointment from fans and critics alike, who felt that the show had much more to offer. Many argued that the show's talent, script, and dedicated fanbase deserved better.
Read also: A guide to facial benefits in Santa Clarita
Why You Should Watch It
If you can deal with that, you should absolutely start watching this show. Right. Now. "Santa Clarita Diet" is a must-watch for fans of dark comedy and horror. The show's unique blend of gore, humor, and social commentary is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its strong cast, sharp writing, and willingness to push boundaries, "Santa Clarita Diet" is a truly original and unforgettable television experience.
The Trailer: A Glimpse into the Madness
The trailer for "Santa Clarita Diet" offers a tantalizing glimpse into the show's bizarre world. It introduces viewers to Joel and Sheila's seemingly ordinary lives, before quickly plunging them into the chaos of Sheila's transformation. The trailer highlights the show's dark humor, its graphic violence, and its focus on the Hammonds' struggle to maintain normalcy in the face of the absurd. The trailer also showcases Barrymore and Olyphant's chemistry, which is a key ingredient in the show's success.
Read also: Santa Clarita massage therapy