ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction

Iranian-American Frida returns to Port Gamble and quickly proves herself resilient and principled. She navigates danger with determination, seeks to protect loved ones, and grapples with decisions about staying in her hometown or moving forward with her life. Her arc centers on courage, resourcefulness, and a willingness to face hard truths about family and loyalty.

A blind neighbor whose fear and pride escalate during the outbreak. He becomes increasingly controlling as the crisis deepens, culminating in tense confrontations with Frida. His arc ends in tragedy, illustrating how panic and desperation can corrupt judgment even in well-meaning people.

Joe’s wife who is drawn into the danger and ultimately bitten, mirroring the rapid spread of the infection. Her struggle and subsequent zombification contribute to the choir of threats that push Frida and others toward desperate choices. She embodies the indiscriminate reach of the outbreak.

Frida’s father, a devout and anxious figure who prays through the crisis. He ultimately succumbs to infection, becoming a zombie that forces Frida to confront painful family losses. His fate underscores the personal costs of the outbreak.

A man who visits Port Gamble with his partner Lance, seeking to tell Tom’s mother he is gay. The journey reveals fractures within families and communities as fear reshapes relationships. Tom remains steady through chaos, balancing duty to loved ones with his own truths.

Tom’s partner who navigates the church basement’s tensions as the outbreak intensifies. He embodies the strain between fear and solidarity, ultimately enduring alongside others as the town fights for safety. His role highlights the support networks that emerge in crisis.

A neighbor who becomes a central figure in Port Gamble’s response. Her leadership evolves from community member to mayor, symbolizing stability and the attempt to restore order after the outbreak. She represents pragmatic resilience amid chaos.

A church leader who embodies moral authority during the siege. He clashes with others as fear drives decisions but remains a key voice for rescue efforts and communal defense. His presence anchors the film’s setting in a familiar community space.

Frida’s outside boyfriend who becomes caught up in the escalating danger. His experience underscores how intimate relationships strain and survive under the pressure of a sudden epidemic. His fate is tied to the town’s broader catastrophe.