Fido | 2006
Fido is a Canadian zombie comedy film directed by Andrew Currie, featuring a unique blend of horror and humor set in a 1950s-esque alternate universe. The film explores a world where radiation from space has turned the dead into zombies, leading to the "Zombie Wars," which humanity ultimately wins. However, the threat of zombification persists as all deceased individuals rise as zombies unless properly disposed of.
The story unfolds in the town of Willard, where housewife Helen Robinson (Carrie-Anne Moss) purchases a zombie named Fido (Billy Connolly) despite her husband Bill’s (Dylan Baker) phobia of the undead. Their son Timmy (K'Sun Ray) befriends Fido, but when Fido's collar malfunctions, chaos ensues, resulting in a small zombie outbreak. The family must navigate the consequences of their attachment to Fido amidst growing tensions with the local ZomCon corporation, which regulates zombie behavior.
After a series of misadventures, including the bullying of Timmy and the tragic fate of Bill, the climax leads to a confrontation between Timmy and ZomCon's security chief. In the end, the family finds a new sense of normalcy with Fido as part of their household.
Filming took place in Kelowna, British Columbia, over 35 days. Director Currie aimed to create a cross-genre film, drawing inspiration from classics like Lassie Come Home and works by George A. Romero. The script, originally penned in 1994, faced several creative challenges before being brought to life.
Fido premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival and has since been featured at various international festivals. It received a theatrical release on March 9, 2007, showcasing its blend of comedy, horror, and social commentary.
For fans of the genre, Fido offers a fresh take on zombie narratives, combining quirky humor with poignant family dynamics.
