Zombie 4: After Death is a cult Italian horror film released in 1989, directed by Claudio Fragasso under the pseudonym Clyde Anderson. Starring Jeff Stryker (credited as Chuck Peyton) and Candice Daly, the movie is a standalone entry in the loosely connected Zombi series, known for its over-the-top gore, surreal atmosphere, and unapologetically campy tone. Though marketed as a sequel, it bears no narrative connection to its predecessors, instead carving out its own chaotic path through the jungle of undead mayhem.
Set on a remote tropical island, the film opens with a group of scientific researchers who have been conducting experiments to cure cancer. Their work, however, has stirred ancient forces—specifically, a voodoo priest whose daughter died as a result of the experiments. In retaliation, the priest unleashes a curse that opens a portal to hell, raising the dead from their graves to feast on the living. The initial outbreak is swift and brutal, leaving only one survivor: Jenny, the young daughter of two of the researchers. She escapes the carnage, protected by a mystical necklace given to her by her mother.
Years later, Jenny (played by Candice Daly) returns to the island as an adult, accompanied by a group of mercenaries determined to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths. Their arrival is immediately met with ominous signs: the boat engine fails, communication is lost, and the jungle seems to pulse with a malevolent energy. Meanwhile, elsewhere on the island, a trio of hikers stumbles upon a cave that houses the original site of the curse. Their accidental reawakening of the undead sets off a second wave of horror, as the zombies rise once more to defend their cursed ground.
Jeff Stryker plays Chuck, one of the hikers and the lone survivor of the cave incident. He eventually joins Jenny and the mercenaries as they take refuge in the ruins of the old research facility. Armed with leftover weapons and a dwindling supply of hope, the group prepares to make a stand against the relentless horde. The film escalates into a series of frantic battles, grotesque transformations, and explosive confrontations, all underscored by a sense of impending doom.
Zombie 4 thrives on its low-budget aesthetic, embracing the limitations of its production with gleeful abandon. Shot primarily in the Philippines, the film uses dense jungle settings, fog machines, and dim lighting to create an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere. The zombies themselves are a mix of cloth-masked extras and rudimentary makeup effects, lending the film a gritty, handmade charm that fans of 1980s horror will appreciate.
The performances are as eclectic as the film’s tone. Candice Daly brings a mix of vulnerability and determination to Jenny, anchoring the story with emotional weight. Jeff Stryker, in one of his few non-adult film roles, delivers a surprisingly earnest portrayal of Chuck, a man caught between survival and sacrifice. Supporting characters, including mercenaries with names like Mad, Rod, and Tommy, add to the film’s pulpy energy, each contributing to the chaos in their own exaggerated way.
The soundtrack by Al Festa is a standout element, featuring synth-heavy compositions and power ballads that heighten the film’s surrealism. The music often contrasts sharply with the onscreen violence, creating a dissonant, dreamlike quality that enhances the film’s cult appeal.
Zombie 4 is unapologetically gory, with scenes of face-ripping, eye-gouging, and flesh-chomping that push the boundaries of taste and absurdity. Yet beneath the blood and guts lies a story about legacy, revenge, and the unintended consequences of scientific ambition. The film doesn’t aim for philosophical depth, but it does offer a cautionary tale wrapped in a blood-soaked package.
Despite its critical panning upon release, Zombie 4 has earned a loyal following among fans of Italian horror and exploitation cinema. Its blend of action, supernatural horror, and campy theatrics make it a memorable entry in the zombie genre. Whether viewed as a guilty pleasure or a hidden gem, the film stands as a testament to the wild creativity of late-80s horror filmmaking.
Zombie 4 is a 1990 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.
