Zombie Outbreak Hits High School In This Is Not A Test

It’s not every day that a zombie apocalypse movie is billed as “The Breakfast Club meets 28 Days Later,” but that’s exactly the pitch that’s generating buzz for the upcoming film This Is Not a Test. The trailer, released on January 14, 2026, by Independent Film Company and Shudder, has horror fans and young adult fiction enthusiasts alike bracing themselves for a new twist on two beloved genres. Set to infect theaters on February 20, the movie is based on Courtney Summers’ 2012 young adult novel of the same name—a book that’s already being reissued in a special edition to mark the occasion, according to Bloody Disgusting and other outlets.

Directed and written by Adam MacDonald, known for his work on Backcountry and Pyewacket, This Is Not a Test takes a familiar premise and gives it a distinctly teenage spin. The story follows Sloane, played by Olivia Holt (of Heart Eyes fame), and a small group of her classmates as they barricade themselves inside their high school. Their hometown has suddenly descended into chaos, overrun by a zombie outbreak that leaves them fighting for their lives—and, perhaps more importantly, for a sense of meaning in a world gone mad.

Early descriptions of the film—first reported about a year ago when the adaptation was announced—leaned heavily on the “Breakfast Club meets 28 Weeks Later” comparison. Now, with the trailer in hand, that description feels spot on. The opening scenes show a group of teenagers in a high school gym, playing the classic party game “Never Have I Ever.” It’s all innocent fun and adolescent confessions—who’s cheated on a test, who’s had sex in the boys’ bathroom—until, in a chilling twist, one kid declares, “Never have I ever survived a zombie invasion.” That’s when the needle scratches, both for the characters and the audience, and the horror truly begins.

The ensemble cast brings together some rising stars of the genre. Alongside Holt, viewers will recognize Froy Gutierrez (I Love LA, The Strangers), Corteon Moore (“From”), Carson MacCormac (Clown in a Cornfield), Chloe Avakian (“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”), and Luke MacFarlane (Bros). Each actor is tasked with portraying not just the terror of the undead, but the raw, messy emotions of teenagers thrust into a life-or-death situation. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors of the high school, Sloane is forced to confront her own will to survive—and, perhaps, what it means to truly live.

The official synopsis, as reported by Bloody Disgusting, gives further insight: “Sloane and a small group of her classmates take cover in their high school to escape their suddenly apocalyptic hometown. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.” It’s a coming-of-age story with a deadly twist, where the usual high school drama is overshadowed by the constant threat of violence, gore, and the ever-present possibility of death.

It’s worth noting that the film is rated R, and the reasons are not for the faint of heart: “strong bloody violence, gore, suicide, language, some sexuality, and brief teen drinking.” This isn’t your typical teen movie, nor is it a standard-issue zombie flick. The stakes are high, and the content is unflinching—something that has already sparked conversation among fans of both horror and young adult literature.

Critical response to the trailer and early screenings has been mixed, with some reviewers praising the performances while questioning the film’s originality. Daniel Kurland, writing for Bloody Disgusting, commented, “The melodramatic adaptation of the Courtney Summers YA novel fails to do anything new with a zombie apocalypse, despite a strong, committed performance by Olivia Holt.” It’s a sentiment that’s likely to be echoed by genre purists, who have seen more than their fair share of zombie outbreaks on screen.

Still, there’s something undeniably intriguing about the film’s attempt to blend the angst and camaraderie of a high school drama with the relentless terror of a zombie siege. The “Breakfast Club” comparison isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it speaks to the film’s core themes of friendship, survival, and the desperate search for meaning in the face of overwhelming odds. For Sloane and her classmates, the apocalypse is both literal and metaphorical—a backdrop against which they must confront their own fears, secrets, and desires.

Adam MacDonald’s involvement as writer and director brings a certain pedigree to the project. His previous films, Backcountry and Pyewacket, were noted for their psychological intensity and grounded character work. Here, he’s tasked with adapting a beloved novel while also delivering the visceral thrills that horror fans expect. The challenge is considerable: how to honor the source material’s emotional depth while also keeping audiences on the edge of their seats?

For fans of Courtney Summers’ original novel, there’s even more to look forward to. A special edition of This Is Not a Test is hitting bookshelves, offering readers a chance to revisit—or discover for the first time—the story that inspired the film. The book, first published in 2012, has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of trauma, survival, and the complexities of teenage life. Its adaptation for the screen is a testament to the enduring appeal of its themes, even as the zombie genre continues to evolve.

The timing of the film’s release, set for February 20, 2026, positions it as a potential breakout hit for both horror aficionados and young adult audiences. With its blend of familiar tropes and fresh perspectives, This Is Not a Test is poised to spark conversation—and perhaps a few nightmares—among viewers of all ages. Whether it will carve out a unique place in the crowded zombie canon remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: this is one test that no one wants to fail.

As the countdown to the premiere continues, fans and newcomers alike are left to wonder: can a group of teenagers survive both the undead and their own inner demons? Only time will tell, but for now, This Is Not a Test offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world where friendship, fear, and the fight for survival are more intertwined than ever.