AceShowbiz - The horror genre celebrates as Queens of the Dead, Shudder's new zombie feature directed by Tina Romero, earns a formidable score on Rotten Tomatoes. Set amidst an LGBTQ+ warehouse party, this 2025 release features a notable cast including Katy O'Brian, Jack Haven, Riki Lindhome, Jaquel Spivey, Cheyenne Jackson, and Margaret Cho. A key highlight is Tina Romero's connection to horror legend George A. Romero, whose 1968 film Night of the Living Dead originated the modern zombie apocalypse genre and spawned the enduring Dead franchise.

Rotten Tomatoes has aggregated critic reviews, awarding Queens of the Dead a remarkable 92% Tomatometer score. Based on 39 reviewers, this near-perfect rating positions the film for potential Certified Fresh status. Individual reviews consistently laud the movie, with scores including a perfect rating from Bee Delores for B-Sides and Badlands, a 9.5 out of 10, several 4.5 out of 5s, and numerous ratings above 7 out of 10. This widespread critical acclaim underscores its immediate impact.

Critics praise Queens of the Dead as a "fun romp" and a "lovable homage" to Tina Romero's father's indelible legacy. This is significant given George A. Romero's profound influence on zombie horror, notably with films like 1978's Dawn of the Dead. For Tina Romero to achieve such critical success, echoing her father's celebrated work, speaks volumes about her distinct vision to both honor and innovate within the genre.

The film's critical triumph is further underscored by its standing against George A. Romero’s own filmography. At 92%, Queens of the Dead remarkably ties the Rotten Tomatoes score of his iconic Dawn of the Dead, considered his second best-reviewed zombie feature. While George A. Romero’s films, like Night of the Living Dead (95%), often earned Fresh reviews, their reception varied, with later entries like 2009's Survival of the Dead receiving a mere 29%. With Queens of the Dead, Tina Romero has not only upheld but, in many ways, surpassed the high standards of her father's esteemed zombie productions.

As Queens of the Dead marks Tina Romero's impressive feature directorial debut, following her acclaimed short films Little Girl Blue and Rainbowarrior, this strong reception signals a promising trajectory for her filmmaking career. It suggests a future rich with potential for crafting genre classics that pay tribute to her family's heritage and establish her own distinct voice in horror cinema. Audiences and critics alike will eagerly anticipate what terrifying and innovative stories Tina Romero will bring next, solidifying her status as a significant new talent in the genre.