I’m beyond excited that Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires is finally out! I remember being surprised when they announced a fourth film, considering that Zombies 3 wrapped up the main storyline so well. However, I’m happy to say this new movie continues the story in the best possible way, so much better than Descendants: Rise of Red.
Zombies 4 picks up around the end of the gang’s first year at Mountain College. After a short animated introduction, we see that Eliza (Kyle Russell) and Willa (Chandler Kinney) are thriving on campus, while Addison (Meg Donnelly) and Zed (Milo Manheim) are struggling to reach their full potential. They decide the best course of action is to attend separate summer camps, cheerleading for Addison and football for Zed. However, Eliza and Willa persuade them to go on a short road trip! This gives us a chance to see Mountain College again, which was a highlight after all the talk about it in Zombies 3. The first song, “Legends in the Making,” plays during this part. It has a sound reminiscent of previous franchise hits but with a slightly more grown-up tone, fitting the time jump.
On the road, Zed’s Z Band glitches, causing a car crash. Addison and Zed remain optimistic and seem pretty happy about the mishap. The gang splits up to find help. Zed ends up in the Daywalkers’ territory, where Nova (Freya Skye), the Daywalker leader’s daughter, initially thinks he’s a vampire. After clearing up the confusion, they decide to take Zed with them. Meanwhile, Victor (Malachi Barton), the vampire leader’s son, helps Addison after she enters vampire territory, and they’re taken prisoner. Addison notices Victor has visions of Nova, sharing a mutual feeling. The scenery here is stunning: especially the beach scenes, which were filmed on location. Some darker lighting in these scenes can be a bit challenging, but it doesn’t detract from the experience. During this section, we hear “The Place to Be,” the first song released from the movie, which I’ve enjoyed since its release in May. It captures that classic Disney Channel vibe with upbeat, fun dancing that fits perfectly.
The two groups end up at the new Blood Fruit Orchard, both desperate for its fruit as their own orchards have died. They can’t enter the orchard, so Zed, Addison, and the others suggest working together to find the keys to open the gate, staying at a nearby summer camp. Tensions flare at the camp, leading to a dance battle set to “Don’t Mess With Us,” another pre-release song. This track has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of Camp Rock 2: It’s On, and showcases great vocals and energetic dance routines. By the end, they work together to find a key and unlock the first gate: two more are still ahead.
Zed and Addison realise Nova and Victor are like themselves: another Romeo and Juliet couple. Their budding romance is adorable, especially in the duet “Dream Come True,” where they fly and dance together, their chemistry really shines here. Freya and Malachi’s voices blend beautifully. They find the second key during this interaction. Meanwhile, Vera overhears Ray mentioning that the Daywalkers plan to steal all the fruit.
Trouble escalates when a power surge causes Zed, Eliza, and Willa to lose control of their powers. They investigate the source, a cave where the surges are intensifying. During this arc, we hear “Kerosene,” which is my least favorite song: Zed’s rap-like tracks have never been my favorite, and this one isn’t an exception. Nonetheless, the group discovers the surges originate from the cave, and the two clans realize they’re more alike than they thought, uniting to open the final gate and sharing the orchard.
However, their leaders arrive, leading to a conflict that burns half the orchard’s fruit. Both clans declare war, and Nova’s father tells her she’ll never be a true leader. She then sings “My Own Way,” which Freya performs beautifully, reminiscent of classic Disney “I Want” songs. Even though I wish Meg had more solos earlier, I’m happy for Freya’s moment and look forward to more songs from Nova.
The increased power surges threaten to turn Zed into a full zombie. The concept of his potential permanent transformation adds an intriguing layer to his character arc. Nova and Victor realize their moonstones are connected, they were once one and attempt to unite them. Zed and Addison sing a pep talk in “Possible,” which is decent but not as memorable as the other songs. Ultimately, Nova and Victor steal their moonstones, climb the tower, and reunite them, saving the orchard and Zed. Just before this, we get another reprise of ‘Someday’. This version is very short and leads straight into Nova and Victor saving the group. Nova and Victor’s parents are proud, and the group sings “Show the World,” a lively closing number that perfectly wraps up the story. It’s probably the best ending song of any Zombies film, and a fun, energetic finale.
Zed and Addison decide that spending time together matters more than being the best. We get a heartfelt reprise of “Ain’t No Doubt About It,” with Milo and Meg’s tap dancing and vocals shining: an emotional and beautiful moment for any Zombies fan. I thought Zed might propose, but it’s a lovely ending regardless. Meanwhile, Nova and Victor hug on the beach as a giant water tornado appears: what a fun cliffhanger!
Overall, I loved this movie. While some songs like “Kerosene” and “Possible” didn’t quite hit the mark for me, the rest are fantastic. The new cast is excellent, and I’m excited to see where their stories go next. I’m also very pleased with Zed and Addison’s ending, such a fitting conclusion for Disney Channel’s beloved couple. The dialogue is sharp and funny too; one standout moment is when Addison, instead of saying she’s an alien, says she’s a cheerleader: so Addison! Overall, it’s a fantastic film, definitely a must-watch!
Max
References:
Hoen, 2010 ‘Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam’. Available on Disney Plus
Hoen, 2022 ‘Zombies 3’. Available on Disney Plus
Hoen, 2025 ‘Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires’. Available on Disney Plus
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