Ryan Coonan’s 2024 dark comedy Rippy tells the strange but true story of a zombie kangaroo terrorizing an Australian country town. Set mostly at night in the rural community of Axehead, the film stars Tess Haubrich as Sheriff Maddy, a young officer trying to live up to her late father’s legacy.
Just as the pressures of her job start weighing her down, a series of gruesome attacks leaves the townsfolk ripped to shreds. Maddy and her eccentric Uncle Schmitty, played by veteran actor Michael Biehn, must work to stop the undead assailant before it’s too late.
Through their investigation, they discover the culprit is none other than Rippy, a hulking zombie kangaroo on the rampage. With most of the action taking place after dark and plenty of gore along the way, Rippy sets out to be a wild horror comedy ride.
While the bizarre concept alone makes it worth a watch, this review will take a closer look at how Coonan succeeds—and where he may fall short—in translating his ambitious rogue ‘roo premise into a fully realized feature film. Buckle up as we hop along on this bizarre Australian adventure into the outback of zombie kangaroo chaos.
The Outback Gone Wrong
The core concept of Rippy sees a hulking zombie kangaroo wreaking havoc across the rural Australian town of Axehead. On the surface, this sounds delightfully absurd—and at its best, the film embraces the bizarre tone this strange antagonist brings. We get a real kick out of seeing this undead ‘roo rampage through the outback, leaving locals ripped to shreds across the dusty countryside. Ryan Coonan has a good sense of the unsettling and gritty vibe this could cultivate.
That said, the execution is uneven. At times Rippy the zombie ‘roo proves genuinely disturbing and unnerving. But heavier, more serious elements can clash against the slapstick needed to balance horror with comedy. This schizophrenic approach keeps the mood constantly shifting, to varying effect.
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We also see Maddy determined to step out from her father’s long shadow and prove herself as the town’s new sheriff. Haubrich delivers a grounded and nuanced take on a character facing pressure both professionally and personally. Her arc gives the film an emotional core to latch onto amidst the mayhem. Yet growth feels somewhat rushed at times, with resolutions wrapping up faster than expected.
Another issue stems from short origins. Stretching minimal plot and characters to feature length yields needed filler like side stories or prolonged lulls. While these may breathe much-needed air into tense moments, an extra plotline or two could have linked it all together more cohesively. As is, sustainment proves a challenge.
Overall, this zombie roo premise stays memorable, even if tonal mismatches and pacing issues contribute to an uneven final product. With refinement, there’s potential for Rippy to deliver the perfect blend of frights and laughs the concept promises Down Under.
Down Under Dread
It’s clear Coonan did his homework, capturing the rural Aussie vibe throughout Rippy. From dusty country roads to ramshackle farmhouses lit by flickering porch lamps, the isolated Outback setting feels authentic. You can practically taste the dirt and feel the eerie vastness of the landscape in grimier scenes. This grounded locals-in-peril style draws you in.
However, the inconsistent CGI is jarring, yanking us right out of the creepy countryside. Rippy himself often resembles a rubber Halloween costume rather than a plausible zombie ‘roo. When he lands a punch or lunges with tooth and claw, the floaty fakeness saps any sense of menace. It’s a shame, too, since gore effects utilizing practical makeup are quite well done.
While murky nighttime cinematography ramps up the mystery early on, poor lighting also obscures later kills. Artistic moody visuals give way to dark and muddy shots that leave things too open to interpretation. Still, when the camera lingers on rustic details, it fosters an eerie air of dread beneath starry Outback skies.
Aussie Acting Down Under
Tess Haubrich delivers a leading performance as Maddy that grounds Rippy amidst the mayhem. She gives Sheriff Maddy grit and compassion, showing the internal battle of one shouldering a respected name. You really feel for her plight leading this tight-knit community against an undead ‘roo.
Biehn as eccentric Uncle Schmitty steals many scenes with an amusing larrikin charm. He brings just the right blend of comedic relief and heart. Schmitty and no-nonsense Aunt Donna, played convincingly by Angie Milliken, add warmth and laughs that balance thrills.
Minor roles like Aaron Pedersen as a stoic farmer don’t overstay their welcome but skillfully flesh out this remote town under attack. You feel for each casualty as more than just zombie fodder. The authentic cast and natural Aussie flair make you wish for more time with each character.
Rippy benefits hugely from having likeable characters leading the charge against their undead marsupial menace. Strong performances anchored by Tess and Michael keep you invested in the survival of these true blue Aussies against the odds—and odds are pretty long facing a zombie roo!
Mixed Laughs and Frights Down Under
Rippy shows flashes of striking that perfect balance between chills and chuckles, but maintaining it proves tricky. Scenes like Uncle Schmitty’s drug-induced ramblings hit the humor sweet spot. However, lighter moments often undercut tension or feel tacked on.
Graphic gore and splatter is common, with one scene of corpses ripped apart getting quite gruesome. While testing limits expected in this genre, some bits push beyond playful schlock into unsettling territory. All in all, horror-comedy fans seeking that blend of shocks and giggles should find enough to indulge both tastes.
When it comes to our undead protagonist, Rippy generates real fright at his scariest. Looming in the dark on all fours, the zombie roo presents a formidable and chilling foe. His sudden bursts of violent savagery inject adrenaline. It’s a pity inconsistent effects undermine the chills elsewhere, preventing Rippy from staying truly terrifying throughout.
With its outlandish premise, Rippy shows flashes of delivering thrills and yuks in equal measure. Yet maintaining that balance of horror and humor proves an inconsistent hop for this bizarre Aussie flick.
Rippy’s Place Amongst Peculiar Pics From Down Under
It’s clear films like Razorback loomed large over Rippy. Both trade fiercely in an outlandish Outback beast on the attack. Yet where Razorback took itself deadly serious, Rippy injects bawdier humor that still feels naturally Aussie rather than forced.
Shows like Santa Clarita Diet or Z Nation spring to mind comparing Rippy’s zombie premise, though nothing quite captures its true Blue Oz qualities. The zombie genre norm rarely reaches such an eccentric end, making Rippy stand apart in strange style.
As an Ozploitation entry, Rippy doesn’t feel like a lazy, regurgitated throwback. It wears its influences proudly while carving its own bushy path. Rich cultural nods ensure even international viewers feel Australia’s distinct presence throughout this bizarrely brilliant b-picture romp.
Rippy’s Fate: Cult Hit or Forgotten Flick?
In the end, Rippy shows glimpses of achieving cult status amongst fans seeking weirdness beyond the norm. Its zombie roo premise alone guarantees memorable midnight viewings ahead. Yet inconsistent tones, effects, and pacing hold it back from full-fledged favorite status.
Diehard lovers of bizarre Australian exploitation flicks will find enough to sink their teeth into. Others may find amusement in its absurdity alone. But those seeking top-tier thrills and laughs in equal measure may leave wanting more.
There’s no denying Coonan swings for the fences with this outlandish tale. With refinement, Rippy could join the ranks of the weird and wonderful cult hits that keep audiences guessing. For now, it remains to be seen if this odd Oz obsession will endure or fade into oblivion like a didgeridoo gone quiet. Either way, the adventure getting there remains enjoyably wacky while it lasts.
The Review
Rippy
Rippy shows glimpses of realizing its bizarre vision through committed performances and an entertaining premise. However, tonal inconsistencies and subpar effects hold the zombie roo flick back from consistently delivering chills and chuckles.
PROS
- Committed lead performances provide emotional anchor.
- Authentic rural Australian atmosphere and cultural details
- Intriguing premise of a zombie kangaroo terrorizing small town
- Practical gore effects lend gruesome authenticity.
- Flashes of effectively blending horror and comedy
CONS
- Inconsistent tones waver between drama and humor oddly.
- Subpar CGI clashing with practical effects damages immersion.
- Padding filler instead of tightening unfocused moments
- Rippy himself not consistently menacing or frightening
- Pacing issues struggling to sustain feature length
