Giant killer zombie kangaroo? Must be Australia. 

The new killer wild animal movie was announced a few months ago but didn’t have an American release date. That has changed and so has the title. The movie now to titled Rippy (formerly The Red) is scheduled to get a limited American theatrical release on the same day it drops digitally: October 18. 

This will be Ryan Coonan’s feature-length directorial debut. He said that Rippy (aka The Red) is about understanding one’s true worth.

“It explores the conflict between obligation and freedom of choice, the grief of losing a loved one and the lies we tell ourselves, and each other, to protect the memories of those that have passed. It is also about a 7ft tall undead kangaroo, and the start of the apocalypse. ‘The Red’ is a horror comedy film influenced by classic creature features such as ‘The Thing’, ‘An American Werewolf in London’, ‘Jaws’ and ‘Razorback’.

“This story builds on my short film ‘Waterborne’ and my own experiences growing up in a small rural town, where my father was the local cop. The feature film allows us to see much more of Rippy; the iconic undead kangaroo that made the short a viral success. Even bigger and deadlier than before, we will be using the success of Rippy to bring even more thrills and kills to what ultimately is a fun piece that also deals with some dramatically weighty themes.

The film delivers moments of suspense and enough blood and guts to keep the promise of what the short film established. Set in outback Queensland, the sonic landscape will exploit the isolated locations and feature some of the naturally horrific bush and animal sounds that exist in the remote outback. Ultimately, the audience will be drawn into this allegorical world of outback Australia and experience alongside Maddy, the thrills and scares that only a remote setting at night can deliver. Thanks to the authentic small town characters that inhabit this world, ‘The Red’ will deliver genuine horror, punctuated by real moments of pathos, and levity.”

“Rippy follows the story of young police officer Maddy (Tess Haubrich), who is determined to live up to her deceased father’s legacy. Her courage is put to the test when locals are found brutally ripped to shreds by the zombie kangaroo. As the undead beast leaves a trail of carnage, Maddy, with the help of her eccentric uncle Schmitty (Michael Biehn) and resilient aunt Donna (Angie Milliken), must embark on a high-stakes battle to save the town.” 

A Look at the Themes and Influences

Coonan has stated that the film explores themes of grief, loss, and the conflict between obligation and freedom of choice. The film is influenced by classic creature features such as ‘The Thing’, ‘An American Werewolf in London’, ‘Jaws’ and ‘Razorback’. The director’s personal experiences growing up in a small rural town also inspired the film. He draws on the fear and isolation that he felt as a child to create a sense of dread for the audience.

A Deeper Dive into the Plot

The story centers around Maddy, a young police officer trying to honor her deceased father’s legacy. Her world is turned upside down when a zombie kangaroo begins to terrorize the town. Maddy, with the help of her uncle Schmitty and aunt Donna, must fight to survive the undead beast. The film promises to deliver a mix of horror, suspense, and humor.

Rippy’s Impact on the Genre

'Rippy' has the potential to shake up the horror genre with its unique premise and fresh take on the classic creature feature. By combining elements of comedy and drama, the film aims to offer a different kind of horror experience. The use of the Australian outback as a setting adds a new dimension to the film, creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability.

The Appeal of the Zombie Kangaroo

The zombie kangaroo, Rippy, is a terrifying and compelling antagonist. The film’s creators have gone to great lengths to create a creature that is both realistic and unsettling. The use of practical effects and sound design adds to the film’s sense of horror. Rippy is a monster that is both familiar and terrifying, making it a worthy addition to the pantheon of horror icons.

A New Era of Horror

'Rippy' represents a new wave of horror that embraces both classic elements and fresh perspectives. The film’s creators have combined their passion for the genre with their own unique vision to create something truly special. 'Rippy' is set to become a horror classic, one that will leave audiences both terrified and entertained.