'DARK AGE' script Blacklist review - "The sheer amount of scares, gore, and inventive kills is staggering and the writers show a strong affinity for this type of insane horror."

DARK AGE is an impressively-written piece of revisionist horror that is undeniably striking in its gory execution, but what is so truly refreshing about the script is the way that it eschews the campier, tongue-in-cheek cleverness of similar works (e.g. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES) and instead treats its "zombies-meets-Arthurian mythos" conceit with an admirable amount of seriousness and respect. This is not a literary mash-up novelty stretched out to a tiresome feature length. Instead, it is a fantastic, beautifully developed piece of medieval horror that plays its zombies for grotesquerie rather than cute laughs. The sheer amount of scares, gore, and inventive kills is staggering and the writers show a strong affinity for this type of insane horror. The extended, breathtaking bloodbath that is the first act grips the reader with a fervor not often seen in modern day zombie specs, let alone a period one, and the script deserves commendation for the way it really explores the implications of its premise. It's clear the writers have truly researched the minutia of the time period as well as the Arthurian legend they seek to subvert. An intelligent, grisly read, DARK AGE shows great promise.

“King Arthur vs Zombies” is a fun and easy way to pitch this script and should grab a lot of attention right off the bat. It’s not a very deep or profound take, and may off-put purists of Arthurian legend, but for audiences seeking a simple fantasy action horror, “Dark Age” is plenty entertaining and satisfies expectations. DARK AGE could serve its writers well as a memorable writing sample, as it showcases a beautiful command of the medium and enough unique horror to make a lasting impression on readers and hopefully secure the screenwriters the attention they deserve.

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