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Characters & Themes

Zombies (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 84 mins · English
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Directed by
Hamid Torabpour
Starring
Tony Todd, Aundrea Smith, Amanda Day, Aaron Courteau, Steven Luke, Ava Acres

Amidst a world ravaged by a devastating zombie outbreak, survival depends on speed and strength. Luke and his group must find the determination and resources to fight back against the undead and protect what remains of humanity. Their journey tests their limits as they face overwhelming odds in a desperate fight for survival.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (9)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Every angle
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9 main characters · contains spoilers

Zombies Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Zombies (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Addison

    Senior at Seabrook High who leads with charm and courage while secretly carrying alien heritage. Her journey explores identity, belonging, and the power of choosing truth and unity over fear.

    • 💫 Hero
    • 🧬 Alien Heritage
    • 💃 Cheer Captain
  • Zed

    A standout athlete with aspirations for Mountain College. He balances athletic ambition with loyalty to Addison and the town, using ingenuity to support the aliens’ plan while seeking his own future.

    • 🏃‍♂️ Athlete
    • 🎓 Scholar
    • ❤️ Romance
  • A-Spen

    An alien leader who infiltrates Seabrook and falls for Zed. Torn between her species’ needs and personal feelings, she reveals the true mission behind the aliens’ visit.

    • 👽 Alien Leader
    • 💘 Forbidden Love
  • A-Li

    Part of the alien trio, a strategist who uses technology and planning to advance their search for Utopia.

    • 👽 Alien
    • 🧠 Strategist
  • A-Lan

    Another member of the alien group, helping steer the plan and navigate the humans and werewolves they encounter.

    • 👽 Alien
    • 🧭 Navigator
  • Angie

    Addison’s maternal grandmother, creator of the Seabrook Cup and keeper of the town’s historical logs that hint at a hidden map and a deeper truth about Seabrook’s origin.

    • 🕰️ Mentor
    • 🗺️ Secret Keeper
  • Ms. Crabtree

    The stern interviewer during Addison’s college interview, whose confidence is tested when Addison’s powers surface.

    • 🎤 Interviewer
    • 🧠 Authority
  • Eliza

    Intern at Z-Corp who helps Zed interpret data and chase the clues about Addison and the moonstone, playing a supportive, analytical role.

    • 💡 Helper
    • 🧪 Scientist
  • Willa

    A wary member of the town who distrusts the aliens and pushes back against the newcomers' presence in Seabrook.

    • 🗝️ Guarded
    • 🗺️ Insider

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:28

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Setting

Where and When Does Zombies Take Place?

The setting of Zombies (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Present day

The events unfold in contemporary times, anchored in Seabrook High’s senior year. Modern elements like Z-Bands and a high-stakes cheer competition frame the plot as an alien visitation disrupts everyday life and forces the community to confront its differences.

Location

Seabrook

In the town of Seabrook, werewolves, humans and zombies live in peace. The story centers on Seabrook High during the seniors’ final year, just before a pivotal football game and a national cheer-off that could redefine the town’s landscape.

  • ❄️ Small Town
  • 👾 Monster Presence
  • 🏫 High School Setting

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:28

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3 major themes

Zombies Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Zombies (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Identity

    Addison discovers she harbors alien heritage, challenging how she’s seen in a town that values normalcy. The narrative uses her journey to explore belonging, self-definition, and the strength found in embracing differences.

  • Unity

    Werewolves, humans, and zombies must join forces to counter the alien threat. Old rivalries fade as trust grows through shared goals, showing that diversity can empower a community.

  • Courage

    Zed risks his future and, at times, his safety to thwart the alien plot, while Addison confronts the truth about her lineage. Bravery becomes a communal act that reshapes the town’s destiny.

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:28

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Character & theme questions

Zombies Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Zombies (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

What town is the story set in?

The story takes place in Seabrook, a small town where werewolves, humans, and zombies live together in peace. The narrative centers on Seabrook High School during the seniors' final year, just before a pivotal football game and a national cheer-off.

  • seabrook
  • setting
  • town
  • werewolves
  • zombies
  • humans
Q2

What is Seabrook High School like?

Seabrook High School serves as the central setting where the main characters interact. It hosts the senior class during their final year, and is the backdrop for key events like the football game and cheer competition that drive the story's conflicts and relationships.

  • seabrook high school
  • high school
  • setting
  • students
Q3

When does the movie take place?

The events unfold in contemporary times, set in the present day. The story is anchored in Seabrook High's senior year, with modern elements like Z-Bands and a high-stakes cheer competition framing the narrative.

  • present day
  • modern
  • time period
  • contemporary
Q4

What are the main themes in the movie?

The movie explores three core themes: Identity, about Addison discovering her alien heritage and finding belonging; Unity, showing how werewolves, humans, and zombies must join forces against a common threat; and Courage, demonstrating how characters risk their futures to protect their community.

  • themes
  • identity
  • unity
  • courage
  • meaning
Q5

What does the Identity theme explore?

The Identity theme follows Addison as she discovers she harbors alien heritage, challenging how she's perceived in a town that values normalcy. Her journey explores belonging, self-definition, and the strength found in embracing differences.

  • identity
  • belonging
  • alien heritage
  • addison
  • self-discovery
Q6

What does the Unity theme represent?

The Unity theme shows werewolves, humans, and zombies joining forces to counter an alien threat. Old rivalries fade as trust grows through shared goals, illustrating that diversity can empower a community to overcome challenges together.

  • unity
  • community
  • diversity
  • cooperation
  • werewolves
  • zombies
  • humans
Q7

What does the Courage theme involve?

The Courage theme centers on characters like Zed and Addison who risk their futures and safety to thwart the alien plot. Bravery becomes a communal act that reshapes the town's destiny, with individuals standing up for what matters most.

  • courage
  • bravery
  • sacrifice
  • hero
  • zed
  • addison
Q8

Who is Addison?

Addison is a senior at Seabrook High who leads with charm and courage while secretly carrying alien heritage. Her journey explores identity, belonging, and the power of choosing truth and unity over fear.

  • addison
  • protagonist
  • alien
  • main character
  • leader
Q9

Who is Zed?

Zed is a standout athlete at Seabrook High with aspirations for Mountain College. He balances athletic ambition with loyalty to Addison and the town, using ingenuity to support the community while seeking his own future.

  • zed
  • athlete
  • main character
  • football
  • mountain college
Q10

Who are the aliens in Seabrook?

The aliens are led by A-Spen, who infiltrates Seabrook and develops feelings for Zed. Along with A-Li (a strategist using technology) and A-Lan (helping navigate human relationships), they reveal their true mission involves finding Utopia.

  • aliens
  • a-spen
  • a-li
  • a-lan
  • ufo
  • extraterrestrials
Q11

Who is Angie in the story?

Angie is Addison's maternal grandmother and creator of the Seabrook Cup. She serves as the keeper of the town's historical logs that hint at a hidden map and a deeper truth about Seabrook's origin.

  • angie
  • grandmother
  • seabrook cup
  • historian
  • keeper
Q12

Who is Willa in the movie?

Willa is a wary member of Seabrook who distrusts the aliens and pushes back against the newcomers' presence in town. She represents the skeptical perspective among the townspeople toward the alien visitors.

  • willa
  • townspeople
  • skeptic
  • alien distrust

Movie threads

More Movies Like Zombies, by Mood & Story

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

Fast-Paced Teen Adventures like Zombies

High-energy stories where young heroes face big challenges and unite their community. If you liked the energetic pace and youthful heroes of Zombies, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar fast-moving stories where teens face extraordinary challenges, leading to thrilling action and heartfelt messages of unity and acceptance.

  • energetic
  • tense
  • triumphant
  • heartfelt
  • youthful
  • adventurous
  • Tone: hopeful, energetic, triumphant
  • Pacing: fast, action-packed
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a group of young characters who must quickly adapt to a sudden, large-scale conflict. The plot moves rapidly from one set piece to the next—like competitions, chases, or confrontations—building towards a climax that resolves the external threat and strengthens the bonds within their community.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared high-energy pacing, teenage protagonists, and a tone that balances suspense with hopeful, triumphant outcomes. They deliver an exhilarating experience centered on themes of identity, belonging, and proving oneself against overwhelming odds.

Hopeful Survival Stories like Zombies

Groups fighting for humanity's future with courage and a spirit of unity. Find movies similar to Zombies that explore themes of survival and unity. If you enjoyed watching a determined group fight for humanity with a hopeful heart, these stories of resilience against apocalyptic threats will resonate with you.

  • hopeful
  • tense
  • triumphant
  • found family
  • courage
  • unity
  • Tone: hopeful, tense, triumphant
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a disparate group of survivors who must overcome internal conflicts and external dangers. Their journey is a test of spirit and cooperation, leading to a climax where their collective effort secures a brighter future, often symbolized by rebuilding or achieving coexistence.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their central theme of hopeful survival. They share a medium intensity with serious stakes, but counterbalance them with a light emotional weight and a happy ending, creating an experience that is thrilling without being bleak.

Every angle

Zombies (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Zombies in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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