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As a lover of zombies, I’m constantly on the hunt for the next undead movie or show that’ll keep my eyes glued to the screen. I’ll admit that a good portion of zombie content released throughout the years has been straight trash, but I’ll happen upon a hidden gem every now and then. Spoiler alert: I’ve found said gem, and I’m here to talk about why I want you to watch it.
If the name Dead Set doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps you’re more familiar with the show’s creator, Charlie Brooker, and his subsequent hit series Black Mirror. Fans of the show know that the entire series is one huge social commentary, and Dead Set is no different. I’m a sucker for metaphors, which Dead Set doesn’t fail to deliver.
The series primarily takes place on a fictional set of the real-life reality show, Big Brother, in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The five-episode-long show chronicles Kelly (Jaime Winstone), a production assistant and protagonist of the series, and the cast members of Big Brother attempting to survive.
Although the world crumbles around them quite rapidly, it’s clear from the beginning who may or may not be a team player. Patrick Goad (Andy Nyman), the producer of the fictionalized version of Big Brother, calls the shots and has a wicked talent for being a grade-A A-hole. Ill-tempered and quick to hurl insults to his staff, Patrick makes sure everyone knows who’s in charge. He’s the epitome of the unforgivable food chain of the TV industry. It’s not news that the media and entertainment industry in general can be extremely competitive, and it’s not surprising that there may be some level of backstabbing to get to the top. In Dead Set‘s case, “eat or be eaten” can’t be any more literal. In any apocalyptic movie, there’s bound to be disharmony amongst a group of survivors. Without giving away too much, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be stuck with Patrick—the end of the world or not.
In spite of the circumstances with people eating each other’s faces off, Kelly’s got some guts (and she might also want to take some extra care in holding onto them). I’d like to think that I have the potential to be as badass as Carol Peletier if a zombie apocalypse were to actually happen, but I’d probably last two hours tops. While Kelly isn’t necessarily The Walking Dead material, she adapts to the situation with relative ease, all things considered. I hope that I never find myself in a position where I have to kill my zombified co-worker with only a pair of office scissors on hand, but Kelly’s shown that she can be a fighter instead of a flighter. She eventually finds a safe haven among the Big Brother cast, who are cheerfully unaware that the world is literally falling apart right outside the studio walls. They sober up and realize the gravity of the situation thanks to Kelly’s refusal to beat around the bush upon her arrival to the cast’s “house.” Kelly’s lead is for them to follow from here on out.
Kelly was no stranger to Patrick’s verbal abuse before all went to hell, taking it with gritted teeth. However, she finds her footing once she bands up with the Big Brother cast. I’m not a total expert on the TV industry, although I can imagine that there aren’t many pats on the back reserved for people behind the scenes unless you have a seat at the table. But Kelly and Patrick are on a level playing field once they both make their way to the Big Brother house. Just like everyone else in the apocalypse, they’re both just trying to survive. As the house is decked out with cameras in every room, the pair also find themselves in front of the camera rather than behind it—new territory altogether. Gone are the days of the workplace hierarchy. No longer are Kelly and Patrick employee and boss, but rather just meat and meat.
Even if you’re not necessarily a fan of zombie movies or shows, Dead Set brings a lot more to the table than just the undead. You’ll decide your own take on the show, but you’ll need to start by watching it on Netflix.
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