Directed by
Matthias Hoene
Made by
Shout! Factory
Discover the intricate plot of Cockneys vs Zombies (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the heart of East London’s dynamic construction scene, two laborers inadvertently uncover an ancient catacomb, sealed for centuries by royal decree during the reign of Charles II. Instead of informing the authorities, they recklessly delve deeper, driven by the allure of treasure, but awaken an undead curse that arises from the depths of the ruins. As chaos begins to engulf the area, a different story unfolds involving the MacGuire brothers.
Terry MacGuire and his younger brother Andy devise a bold plan to rescue their grandfather Ray’s retirement home from impending demolition. They rally their cousin Katy, the hapless Davey Tuppence, and Mickey, an Iraq War veteran with a fragile psyche and a metal plate in his forehead. As they execute their bank heist, expecting to nab a modest sum, they inadvertently stumble upon a massive £2.5 million, mistaking them for representatives of Hartman Construction due to the bank manager’s blunder. Yet, as they scramble to escape, Mickey takes charge, forcefully rounding up bank employees Emma and Clive for their getaway.
However, upon their attempt to exit, a menacing group of reanimated corpses descends upon them, a consequence of the very outbreak plaguing the East End. Meanwhile, at Ray’s retirement home, the undead epidemic starts to wreak havoc among the residents. Amidst the bedlam, Ray and his fellow retirees, including Peggy, former gangster Daryl, and Eric, find refuge in the kitchen, hoping for rescue. Ray takes a moment to save Hamish, ensuring his safety along the way.
As the MacGuire siblings, Katy, Mickey, their hostages, and their newfound fortune travel through the devastated streets, they reach a designated safe house. Tragedy strikes when Mickey, having been bitten by a zombie, becomes increasingly erratic. As they tune into a radio broadcast covering the chaotic events, the true scale of the outbreak dawns on them, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their plans. Emma pleads for her release, arguing that their mission is misguided, while Katy defends their actions, insisting they aim not for selfish gain but to preserve Ray’s retirement home.
Tensions rise when Mickey, frustrated with his group, isolates Emma and Clive, intensifying his menacing grip over them. But destiny plays a cruel trick; Mickey’s earlier bite begins to take its toll, weakening him as Terry seizes the moment, forcing a grenade down Mickey’s throat to end his spree of terror. Amidst the uproar, Clive irrationally grabs Mickey’s gun, suggesting they surrender, only to face a gruesome fate at the jaws of lurking zombies—a miscalculated decision that also seals Davey’s doom.
With their numbers dwindled and spirits crushed, the group hastily loads their spoils into Terry’s vehicle, strategizing their next move towards Ray’s retirement home. Their search for Emma’s younger sibling leads them to a haunting discovery—her sister in a state of undead stasis. Emma’s hope for a cure prompts them to spare her sister, and they fortify themselves with Mickey’s cache of weapons.
Upon their arrival, they embark on a daring rescue mission to break the undead siege, successfully freeing Ray and the remaining residents. In a surprising twist, they commandeer an iconic red London double-decker bus, but mechanical malfunctions soon halt their escape. As they quickly venture to find a boat, they find themselves thwarted by missing keys and a boat chained to the dock.
In a moment of sheer selflessness, Ray sacrifices his safety for the group’s, but miraculously, he survives and joins them as they finally make a desperate escape down the river. As they drift toward an uncertain future, their determination to reclaim East London from the clutches of the undead shines through, inspired by Ray’s defiant proclamation that they can conquer the chaos besieging their home.
Track the key events of Cockneys vs Zombies (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Discovery of the Catacomb
Two laborers in East London inadvertently stumble upon an ancient catacomb that had been sealed for centuries under Charles II's decree. Their curiosity leads them to delve deeper instead of notifying the authorities, awakening a dark and ancient curse hidden within.
Awakening of the Undead
As the laborers explore the catacomb, they accidentally awaken a horde of reanimated corpses, unleashing chaos upon the streets of East London. This undead epidemic begins to impact the local population, leading to widespread panic and fear.
MacGuire Brothers' Plan
Terry and Andy MacGuire come up with a daring plan to save their grandfather Ray's retirement home from being demolished. They gather a team that includes their cousin Katy and the hapless Davey Tuppence, alongside Mickey, a veteran with a troubled past.
The Bank Heist
During an attempted bank heist to secure funds for Ray's home, the MacGuire brothers accidentally encounter £2.5 million. Caught in an unexpected situation, they are mistaken for Hartman Construction representatives due to a bank manager's blunder.
Zombie Attack at the Bank
As the MacGuire brothers and their companions attempt to escape with their newfound fortune, they are ambushed by a menacing group of reanimated corpses. The undead outbreak reaches the bank just as their heist unfolds, adding mayhem to their plans.
Chaos at the Retirement Home
Meanwhile, Ray and other residents at the retirement home are trapped as the undead epidemic wreaks havoc. They take refuge in the kitchen which serves as their stronghold against the chaos, trying to maintain a semblance of safety.
Mickey's Deterioration
After being bitten by a zombie, Mickey's mental state starts to deteriorate, adding tension to the group's dynamics. His deteriorating health and increasing erratic behavior threaten their already fragile mission to escape the chaos.
Destined Betrayal
In a critical moment, Mickey isolates the hostages, Emma and Clive, while intensifying his control. However, as Mickey succumbs to the bite, Terry seizes the opportunity, confronting him in a desperate bid to regain control of the tense situation.
Tragic Decisions
In a moment of panic, Clive grabs Mickey's weapon and suggests they surrender, but this reckless decision backfires horrifically. The group faces dire consequences as zombies close in, marking the doom of Davey and potentially others.
Search for Emma's Sister
As they regroup, the team embarks on a frantic search for Emma's younger sibling, leading them to a haunting discovery. They find her in a state of undead stasis and later decide to spare her, hoping for a cure while steadying their resolve.
Final Rescue Attempt
The group arrives at the retirement home and embarks on a daring mission to rescue Ray and other residents. They face monsters from the catacomb as they work together to break the zombie siege threatening their loved ones.
Iconic Escape
They commandeer a red London double-decker bus for their escape, but mechanical failures hinder their getaway. This desperate situation pushes them to explore further options, leading them on a chaotic route through the city.
The Sacrifice
In a moment of bravery, Ray sacrifices himself to ensure the group's escape. Against all odds, he survives and joins the others in their mission, symbolizing hope amidst the devastation.
Desperate Escape Down the River
The group finally makes a desperate attempt to escape down the river, navigating a chaotic environment filled with danger. This journey reinforces their resolve to reclaim East London from the clutches of the undead and stands as a testament to their resilience.
Ray's Defiant Proclamation
As they drift towards an uncertain future, Ray inspires his group with a powerful proclamation, igniting their determination to fight against the chaos besieging East London. His words rally the team, underscoring their united front against adversity.
Meet the characters that bring Cockneys vs Zombies (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Terry MacGuire
Terry is the older MacGuire brother, characterized by his impulsive nature and strong sense of responsibility toward his family. Driven by the desire to save their grandfather’s retirement home, he often finds himself making quick decisions that result in both comic and dire situations.
Andy MacGuire
Andy is Terry’s younger brother, often providing a more cautious counterbalance to Terry's rash behavior. Although driven by loyalty, Andy struggles with the unfolding chaos, especially as the zombie threat escalates, testing his resolve and adaptability.
Ray MacGuire
Ray is the grandfather, an embodiment of resilience and wisdom. His selfless act to protect his family amidst the chaos showcases the depth of familial love, ultimately becoming a source of inspiration for the younger characters as they navigate their dire circumstances.
Mickey
Mickey, an Iraq War veteran grappling with trauma, becomes a complex figure throughout the story. His descent into erratic behavior after being bitten by a zombie presents a stark transformation, showcasing themes of mental struggle against external pressures.
Uncover the settings of Cockneys vs Zombies (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Charles II era, Present day
The film begins in the era of Charles II, reflecting a historical backdrop that impacts the unfolding events through the ancient catacomb. The main action occurs in the present day, where modern urban struggles collide with the chaos induced by a zombie outbreak.
Location
East London
East London is an area rich in history and culture, known for its vibrant communities and ongoing developments. The area is undergoing significant construction, reflecting its transformation, yet it also holds deep-seated historical significance, illustrated by the ancient catacomb uncovered by the characters.
Explore the core themes of Cockneys vs Zombies (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
The theme of survival runs central to the narrative as characters fight against a relentless undead threat. Their journey highlights the lengths one would go to protect loved ones and their homes. The film intertwines humor and horror, emphasizing resilience amidst chaos.
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Family Loyalty
Family loyalty is a driving force behind the MacGuire brothers' actions as they strive to save their grandfather’s retirement home. Together with their cousin and friends, they showcase the bonds that can compel individuals to undertake drastic measures for the sake of familial responsibility.
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Misfortune
Misfortune permeates the plot as the characters make constant wrong turns, leading to catastrophic consequences. From a bank heist gone awry to navigating a zombie outbreak, the film cleverly portrays how luck can change and how quickly plans can unravel.
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