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Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013) movie poster

Plot Summary

Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 96 min · Filipino
Directed by
Jade Castro

A man's search for love and personal growth inadvertently triggers an ancient curse. As he evolves into a more sophisticated version of himself, long-forgotten wrongdoings awaken vengeful spirits and the undead Zombadings. These fabulous and terrifying creatures descend upon his town, threatening to unleash chaos and destruction while forcing him to confront the consequences of the curse and find a way to stop them.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013)

Where can you watch Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Tubi TV: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Young Remington, portrayed by Andre Salazar, grew up with a habit of hurling the derogatory term "Bakla!" at gay men, a behavior that would come back to haunt him. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Pops, a grieving drag queen played by Roderick Paulate, at a cemetery. This encounter brings forth a chilling prophecy from Pops: on his 21st birthday, Remington will transform into the very thing he once mocked.

Fast forward to years later, the small town of Lucban is shaken by a string of brutal murders targeting gay men, leaving its residents bewildered. As authorities, including Remington's mother Fe (Janice de Belen) and her associate Mimi (Angelica Kanapi), strive to uncover the truth, 20-year-old Remington, now played by Martin Escudero, finds himself entangled in a sinister web of events.

During a visit to a crime scene with onlookers, Remington encounters Hannah Montano, portrayed by Lauren Young, who has just returned to her hometown. Though he tries to make a connection, Hannah is repulsed when she learns of his past through his best friend Jigs (Kerbie Zamora).

As time progresses, bizarre events start to unfold around Remington. In the midst of an energetic basketball game with friends, he becomes transfixed by a mysterious, pink scarf-shaped aura that appears momentarily before vanishing. Later, in an attempt to impress Hannah by helping her paint her home, he faces rejection again after disclosing his earlier mockery of her late father. This revelation incites the wrath of Hannah's mother, Mrs. Montano (Eugene Domingo).

That night, a haunting dream plagues Remington—a vision where he and Jigs are chased by a menacing figure while bathing outdoors. Waking up, he finds strange cuts on his legs, and his body hair has vanished, replaced with smooth skin. During a drinking session, his father Ed (John Regala) acknowledges the transformation, proudly stating that his son has become a "real man."

As the chilling murders continue, Remington confides in his mother about his recurring unsettling dream, seeking her support to unravel the mystery. The conversation takes a serious turn when she voices her concerns over his hesitation to pursue higher education in Manila, compelling Remington to confront his true aspirations.

As night falls, another murder disrupts the beauty parlor scene, transporting Remington to a surreal experience where he mistakenly boards a tricycle, only to find an unsettling driver resembling the figure from his early dream. This leads him to a forest clearing, where he suffers a cruel paddling and a traumatic loss of his tongue.

After waking from such a disconcerting episode, Remington realizes he's going through a bizarre change. His behavior shifts, and he finds himself suddenly fluent in the language of the gay community. This transformation creates tension in his relationship with Hannah and her mother, who struggle to grasp this new version of Remington.

As the curse takes hold, Remington's mannerisms shift to become more effeminate, and his fashion choices become decidedly different. He begins to harbor feelings for Jigs, who, while trying to seduce him, is aware of the tragic fates of their gay friends.

To navigate this upheaval, Remington seeks assistance from Georgia (Nar Cabico), an experienced figure in the gay community. This journey of self-discovery throws light on the sinister forces at play, compelling Remington to reconcile his evolving identity with his desire to remain true to who he is.

Embarking on a quest that involves Hannah and Jigs to confront Pops, the enigmatic drag queen responsible for his curse, they uncover deeper layers of emotion and memory. Arriving at Pops' lavish home, they compel him to recognize his part in Remington's plight. When an affectionate yet jarring memory surfaces, Pops reveals he understands the gravity of his actions yet lacks the knowledge to lift the curse. He proposes a séance as a means to connect with spiritual entities haunting Remington's dreams, leading to a startling revelation: Remington must find a heterosexual man willing to give up his masculinity to break the curse.

As their search in town ensues, they encounter Suarez, Remington's godfather, whose "gaydar" gun threatens their plans. The ensuing chaos results in Pops’ untimely demise, igniting a spirit of vengeance among the undead drag queens.

On the night of Remington's impending birthday, they desperately implore friends to consider taking the curse as their own. However, sensing their unwillingness, Remington is left to confront his fate until Hannah’s words inspire him to embrace his identity against oppression.

As chaos unfurls in Lucban, a dramatic confrontation between Remington and his estranged father occurs. In a heroic moment, Ed deflects gunfire aimed at Remington, inadvertently leading to a series of deadly reactions that claim the lives of Serge and Suarez.

In a dramatic twist, Ed comes to understand the dilemma and agrees to exchange his heterosexuality for his son’s freedom. As the clock strikes twelve, the town regains its usual rhythm. Remington is set to pursue his education in Manila while Hannah embarks on her vision of a thriving dormitory business. Meanwhile, the memories of Serge and Suarez linger, reminding all of the dire consequences of prejudice.

The "zombadings" find new purpose in an unexpected venture, transforming their previous afflictions into a quirky hat shop, symbolizing hope and acceptance.

In an uplifting conclusion, Remington’s father embraces his new identity, finding joy with his wife. The film culminates with a vibrant Bollywood-style dance number, showcasing the resilience and joy of those who refuse to be defined by societal norms.

Last updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:32

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Plot questions answered

Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Pops the drag queen curse Remington?

Pops curses Remington because as a child, Remington constantly hurled the derogatory term "Bakla!" at gay men, including Pops himself during a cemetery visit. The curse is Pops' way of punishing Remington for his bullying and prejudice, prophesying that on his 21st birthday, Remington will transform into the very thing he mocked.

Foreshadowing: The prophecy is delivered at the cemetery where Remington first encounters Pops, setting the curse in motion years before it manifests.

  • pops
  • curse
  • drag queen
  • bakla
  • childhood bullying
Q2

What happens to Remington on his 21st birthday?

On his 21st birthday, Remington undergoes a supernatural transformation into a gay man. His body hair disappears, his mannerisms become effeminate, he develops fluency in the language of the gay community, and he begins experiencing romantic feelings for his best friend Jigs. This transformation triggers the arrival of the Zombadings (undead drag queens) in town.

Foreshadowing: The mysterious pink scarf-shaped aura appears during a basketball game before his birthday, hinting at the impending change.

  • 21st birthday
  • transformation
  • zombadings
  • curse
Q3

Who is responsible for the murders in Lucban?

The murders targeting gay men in Lucban are committed by the Zombadings themselves, undead drag queens awakened by Remington's curse. As Remington transforms into a gay man, the vengeful spirits of wronged gay individuals are unleashed, carrying out violent acts against the community. These creatures represent the consequences of prejudice made manifest.

Foreshadowing: The murders begin shortly after Remington's first encounter with Pops at the cemetery and escalate as his transformation progresses.

  • murders
  • zombadings
  • lucban
  • gay men
Q4

What are the Zombadings?

The Zombadings are undead drag queens, vengeful spirits of gay men who were wronged or killed due to prejudice. They are awakened by Remington's curse and descend upon Lucban as fabulous yet terrifying creatures. In the end, they transform from threatening figures into productive community members who open a hat shop, symbolizing acceptance and redemption.

Foreshadowing: Pops' prophecy foreshadows the arrival of these creatures when he warns Remington about transforming into what he mocked.

  • zombadings
  • undead
  • drag queens
  • spirits
Q5

How is the curse finally broken?

The curse is broken when Remington's father, Ed, agrees to give up his heterosexuality and masculinity in exchange for his son's freedom. This sacrifice is discovered through a séance, Remington must find a heterosexual man willing to make this trade. Ed's willingness to accept this change to save his son fulfills the requirement and breaks the curse at midnight on Remington's birthday.

Foreshadowing: Georgia explains to Remington that someone must willingly take the curse, and Pops' séance reveals the specific requirement.

  • break curse
  • ed
  • sacrifice
  • heterosexuality
Q6

Why does Remington suddenly develop feelings for Jigs?

Remington's attraction to Jigs is a direct result of the curse taking hold. As he transforms into a gay man, his romantic and sexual preferences shift accordingly. This confuses and troubles him because Jigs was his best friend, and the transformation creates tension with his girlfriend Hannah and her mother, who struggle to accept his new identity.

Foreshadowing: The shift in Remington's behavior and mannerisms begins after the tricycle incident and progressively intensifies.

  • jigs
  • attraction
  • transformation
  • curse effect
Q7

Why does Remington suddenly become fluent in gay slang?

As part of the curse transformation, Remington gains fluency in the language and culture of the gay community. This supernatural change is one of the many ways the curse rewrites his identity, making him fully embody the identity he once mocked and bullied others for.

Foreshadowing: This linguistic change occurs after the traumatic paddling and tongue loss in the forest.

  • gay language
  • slang
  • transformation
  • curse
Q8

Why does Ed's sacrifice of his heterosexuality break the curse?

The curse required a heterosexual man to willingly give up his masculinity for Remington to be freed. This symbolic act represents the ultimate acceptance, someone choosing to embrace a different identity out of love. Ed's understanding of his son's plight and his willingness to sacrifice his own identity fulfills the spiritual requirement needed to reverse the curse.

Foreshadowing: The séance reveals this specific requirement, and the search for someone willing to take the curse becomes the central quest.

  • ed
  • father
  • sacrifice
  • break curse
Q9

What happens to the Zombadings after the curse breaks?

After the curse breaks, the Zombadings undergo a transformation from threatening undead creatures to productive, accepted members of the community. They open a quirky hat shop in town, symbolizing their redemption and the community's acceptance of them. This change reflects the film's theme of overcoming prejudice and finding new purpose.

Foreshadowing: The Zombadings' shift from violent creatures to friendly shopkeepers mirrors the broader theme of acceptance that runs throughout the film.

  • zombadings
  • hat shop
  • acceptance
  • transformation
Q10

Why does Pops die in the film?

Pops dies during the chaos when they encounter Suarez, Remington's godfather, who interferes with their plan using his "gaydar" gun. The confrontation becomes violent, and Pops is killed. However, his death ignites the spirits of the undead drag queens to seek vengeance, temporarily escalating the terror in Lucban.

Foreshadowing: Suarez's introduction as Remington's godfather with the gaydar gun creates immediate conflict during their search to break the curse.

  • pops
  • death
  • suarez
  • gaydar gun

Movie threads

More Movies Like Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Vibrant horror-comedies with a heart like Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings

Frights meet fun in stories that tackle serious themes with whimsy and acceptance. Discover movies like Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings that mix spooky fun with genuine warmth. This thread gathers similar horror-comedies where quirky characters, campy scares, and a fast-paced plot lead to a happy, accepting resolution. If you liked the blend of supernatural threats and heartfelt themes, you'll find more spirited stories here.

  • whimsical
  • quirky
  • anxious
  • vibrant
  • transformative
  • accepting
  • Tone: whimsical, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a character or community facing an absurd or supernatural threat. The central conflict often serves as a metaphor for personal growth or social issues, which are resolved not through grim violence but through understanding, acceptance, and often a touch of the fabulous. The journey is anxious but transformative, leading to a celebratory conclusion.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their unique tonal blend: a whimsical, fast-paced approach to horror that maintains a medium intensity. They share a focus on character transformation, LGBTQ+ themes or allegories, and an ending that feels happy and affirming, making the viewing experience both thrilling and heartwarming.

Movies about curses and self-discovery like Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings

Personal growth accidentally awakens a curse, forcing a confrontation with the past. If you liked the curse-driven plot of Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings, explore these films where personal change has supernatural consequences. These stories feature a young protagonist whose evolution unlocks an ancient curse or mystery, blendingcoming-of-age anxiety with a fast-paced, quirky investigation to restore balance.

  • anxious
  • transformative
  • quirky
  • investigative
  • supernatural
  • mysterious
  • Tone: anxious, quirky, transformative
  • Pacing: fast, investigative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often in a coming-of-age phase, whose actions (sometimes blameless) activate a long-dormant curse or unleash supernatural forces. The plot becomes a race to understand the curse's origin—frequently tied to a historical injustice or murder mystery—while the protagonist's personal arc mirrors the external conflict, culminating in their full acceptance of themselves and their role in setting things right.

Why they belong together: They share a specific plot engine: the cause-and-effect link between personal transformation and supernatural chaos. The movies have a moderate complexity with intertwined personal and mystical plots, a medium emotional weight due to the serious themes handled with a light touch, and a core of self-discovery.

Every angle

Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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