Sundance Debut 'Didn't Die' Explores Humanity in a Post-Apocalyptic World

The indie zombie film, created by Meera Menon and her team, reflects on loss, resilience, and family, with its production deeply intertwined with personal tragedy.

'Didn't Die,' directed by Meera Menon, premiered in Sundance's Midnight section, blending zombie apocalypse themes with a focus on grief, family, and resilience.
The film was inspired by Menon's experience directing 'The Walking Dead' and the collective trauma of the COVID pandemic, emphasizing humanity over action.
Key scenes were filmed at Menon and her husband Paul Gleason's Altadena home, which was later destroyed in the Eaton Fire, adding a poignant layer to the movie's narrative.
The filmmakers, including producer Erica Fishman, lost their homes in the fire but found solace in the film, which now serves as a memory of their lost home and community.
The project was a collaborative effort, with the cast contributing to the story's development, and it features Menon and Gleason's own infant daughter in a key role.