Ever feel like high school is a constant fight for survival? For Sloane and her classmates, it became literal. Get ready for This is Not a Test, a high-stakes apocalyptic horror film hitting theaters this February.
Based on the New York Times bestseller by Courtney Summers, this isn’t your typical zombie flick. It’s an emotional pressure cooker adapted and directed by Adam MacDonald (Pyewacket, Backcountry), a filmmaker who knows exactly how to make you feel trapped.
The Plot: No Hall Passes Allowed
When a sudden, violent apocalypse rips through their hometown, Sloane and a small group of students do the only thing they can: they barricade themselves inside their high school. But while the monsters are pounding on the front doors, the real drama is happening in the hallways.
Sloane is a girl who has spent a long time not caring if she lives or dies. But as the world falls apart, she’s forced to watch her classmates fight tooth and nail for every second of survival. Seeing the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live changes her, forcing Sloane to step up and take matters into her own hands before the walls come crashing down.
The Cast
The film features a strong lineup of rising stars and fan favorites, including Olivia Holt (Heart Eyes, Cruel Summer), who leads the cast as the complex Sloane. She’s joined by Froy Gutierrez (Teen Wolf, Cruel Summer), Luke MacFarlane (Bros), and Corteon Moore (“From“).
Why You Should Be Excited
If you’ve read the book, you know this story is famous for its “punch-to-the-gut” emotional stakes. By moving the action to the big screen, MacDonald is leaning into the claustrophobia of a school lockdown during the end of the world. It’s a “walking simulator with a pulse,” blending deep character study with visceral horror.
Save the Date
Forget the pep rally—this is a fight for survival. Head to theaters for the release of This is Not a Test on Friday, February 20, 2026. Stay tuned, the trailer should arrive soon.
