This Is Not A Test Review: A Coming-of-Age Zombie Horror That Goes Nowhere

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Zombie horror needs to be innovative to stay exciting, but director Adam MacDonald doesn’t seem to agree. While he’s made several horror films like Out Come the Wolves, Slasher, and Hell Motel, his new movie, This Is Not a Test, feels comfortable sticking to classic horror tropes instead of trying anything new.

Based on Courtney Summers’ novel, This Is Not a Test feels like yet another unnecessary zombie movie, despite its thoughtful look at how society and morals crumble when young people are forced to survive. The film’s confusing, jumpy storyline aims to say something meaningful about the pressures of growing up and how they affect young people’s innocence and values, but ultimately falls short.

This Is Not A Test Makes Adults Out of Budding Teens

Growing up with an abusive father and an older sister, Lily (Joelle Farrow), who left home to escape the abuse, made life incredibly difficult for teenager Sloane (Olivia Holt). That’s the situation in the story This Is Not A Test. But things get even stranger when zombies suddenly invade her suburban town of Cortez, which mysteriously transforms into a 1990s setting.

MacDonald directs the zombie outbreak with striking visuals: bright red blood contrasts sharply against the white snow, and the zombies’ screams cut through the quiet, much like flies buzzing around a campfire. A group of students – Sloane, Trace, Grace, Cary, and Rhys – seek safety inside their school.

Without any adults to guide them, the teenagers tend to act on feelings when they should be practical, and focus on what’s realistic when a little empathy would help. Cary is the only one willing to make difficult choices, believing they must do what’s necessary to survive. However, getting everyone to agree is proving to be a challenge.

This Is Not A Test Has No Definite Message

The title, This Is Not A Test, hints at a harsh collision with reality, and the story delivers on that promise. Sloane is on the verge of falling apart, having already endured immense pain as a teenager – including witnessing her father commit violence. Now, she’s forced to watch as the undead attack everyone around her, from loved ones to complete strangers.

You’d expect these life-threatening situations to change her, to lead to real growth, and she certainly has the potential for it. But that never happens – not for Sloane, or anyone in the group. Cary’s tough, practical outlook never really influences the group’s sense of right and wrong, which is a missed opportunity. The movie touches on difficult topics like trauma and what it takes to survive, but it doesn’t offer any clear answers or take a firm position.

Olivia Holt is the Faint Silver Lining of This Is Not A Test

Maya Holt, known for her work in horror and thrillers like Heart Eyes and Totally Killer, delivers a powerful performance as Sloane. She convincingly portrays the character’s fear and desperation with raw emotion – think chilling screams and shaky vulnerability – fitting for someone haunted by terrifying zombie attacks. Even when the script asks her to simply express quiet sadness for extended periods, Holt manages to stay compelling.

Corteon Moore, who many will recognize as Ellis Stevens from the show From, bears a striking resemblance to a young Barack Obama, which is initially noticeable. He brings a calm and confident presence to his role as Cary, hinting at a complex character that the movie doesn’t fully explore. Ultimately, This Is Not A Test leaves viewers with more style – including impressive special effects and a great punk soundtrack – than substance, making it unclear what the film’s overall message is.

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2026-02-17 18:08