There has been much muttering in the media recently about how a new generation is taking over running things. Move over millennials, Generation Z – the under 27s – are running the show now. So maybe there is something in the zeitgeist because this new dark zombie comedy is about boomers and older fighting back. Or should that be biting back?

 

Things kick off when a mysterious chemical spill affects the residents of a care home. But instead of dying they suddenly become stronger and fitter and eager to feed on younger bodies. Led by Sue Johnston they head out into the community determined to take their revenge on the society that has marginalised them.

 

Come for the gore and you get a serious point being made too. Old people should be valued, not shunted aside. But I expect most people will be coming for the gore and there is plenty of that to satisify your blood lust too. 

 

These are not your typical 28 Days Later zombies though. They do still retain an element of humanity about them, chatting with each other and not walking around with a limp dragging an arm behind them in that funny way that movie undead usually do.

 

And this being a British producetion – by acclaimed director Ben Wheatley – there is plenty of warped humour. In the first episode Anita Dobson is particularly good value when she is bitten and gets infected. Though why her granddaughter doesn't seem to find her behaviour weird until she tries to take a bite out of her is pushing it a little.

 

Sometimes the plot feels a little telegraphed - one Zoomer buys a crossbow online before the drama happens and you know full well it is going to be used at some point – but things are certainly never boring as the action shuttles between young person antics and old persons dribbling blood. And in the middle there's Johnny Vegas being Johnny Vegas, which is always worth a look.

At times it feels as if Wheatley couldn't decide whether he was making a Black Mirror episode or a Shaun of the Dead reboot but in the end that doesn't really matter - the result is a successful mix of both with a bit of social commentary thrown into the mix too. Definitely something meaty to get you teeth into. Although cockapoo lovers might not want to see what happens to a fluffy canine at one point.