Zepotha is a rare, cult-classic horror film that recently resurfaced as a trending topic on the social media platform TikTok. Few have had the chance to view the movie, and it seems that present-day interest has marked the potential revival of the classic.
The creators of Zepotha, The Danzic Brothers, famously feuded to the extent that one brother attempted to destroy every last piece of the 35mm film that had been circulated, which led to the scarcity of the movie. Their dispute escalated to such a stage that it ended in a brutal mutual killing, adding a horrifying layer of authenticity to their movie creation.
It is believed that some copies of the film may have survived the brother’s purge. The discovery of any surviving 35mm film copies could resurrect the once-cherished movie back into the public conscience.
The year 1987 was chosen to stage Zepotha as movies that emerged as top choices during this time were more light-hearted, such as Three Men and a Baby and Dirty Dancing. However, as the year progressed, movies like Fatal Attraction, Full Metal Jacket, RoboCop, and Predator offered darker, edgier options for cinema-goers. But none of these could compete with Zepotha in the domains of fear, suspense, emotion, and cinematic sophistication.
Zepotha stood apart because it defied several societal norms of the 1980s. It unapologetically involved a gay relationship that simply was, without discussion or sensationalism. Similarly remarkable was the full-fledged development of each character. Unlike many films of the era, Zepotha didn’t relegate any of its characters to side roles or sideline any of its plotlines as mere subsidiary quests. This level of detail brought about a cohesive feel to the film and ensemble, a signature trait reflective of the Danzics’ filmmaking prowess.
The renewed interest in Zepotha has sparked discussions about a possible remake, enthusing the acting community about potential auditions for the roles in the film. As the TikTok trend continues, the potential for a revival or remaking of Zepotha increases. However, whether or not this once-underground horror movie will resurface in theaters or remain lodged in cinematic legend remains to be seen. Overall, Zepotha has tailored a unique path through film history as a rare piece of cinematic art that is slowly gaining modern-day attention and admiration.
