If you’re craving a horror flick that actually has a pulse, mark your calendars. This February, director Adam MacDonald is dropping This Is Not a Test, a high-octane zombie (sorry, monsters) movie that trades the usual tropes for something much more visceral and gut-wrenching.
The Ultimate School Lockdown
Imagine the worst day of high school, then add a violent apocalypse. When a bloodthirsty outbreak tears through town, a group of students does the only thing they can: they barricade the doors.
But here’s the twist—while the monsters are howling outside, the real nightmare is unfolding in the hallways. As the social hierarchy crumbles, the students realize that the people they’ve known for years might be just as dangerous as the things trying to get in.
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A Protagonist with Nothing to Lose
Olivia Holt (Cruel Summer) stars as Sloane, a girl who, frankly, wasn’t sure she wanted to see tomorrow anyway. But there’s nothing like a world-ending event to give you some perspective. Seeing her classmates fight tooth and nail for one more breath sparks something in her. Suddenly, the girl who didn’t care is the only one capable of leading the group before the gym doors buckle.
Holt (Cruel Summer is joined by Froy Gutierrez (Teen Wolf), Corteon Moore (FROM |), and Luke MacFarlane, “Bros” in this gripping, emotion-driven film.
More Than Just Gore
While MacDonald doesn’t skimp on the scares, this isn’t your average “aim for the head” flick. It’s a deep dive into Human Fragility, exploring grief, depression, and anxiety under extreme pressure. These kids aren’t facing the slow, lumbering walkers of the past. These things run.
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Behind the Scenes
I recently caught up with director Adam MacDonald, and his passion for this project is infectious. Known for tension-heavy hits like Backcountry and Pyewacket, MacDonald brings his seasoned horror background (and his history as an actor in Thanksgiving) to every frame. He’s made his love of the source material and ensured the emotional stakes hit just as hard as the jump scares.
Olivia Holt (Cruel Summer), Froy Gutierrez (Teen Wolf), Corteon Moore (FROM ), and Luke MacFarlane (“Bros”) star in this gripping, emotion-driven film.
Check out our full interview with Adam MacDonald below and catch This Is Not a Test in theaters on February 20, 2026!
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