REVIEW: Olivia Holt Is The Standout In ‘This Is Not a Test’

The ’90s were quite the time for young folks, even without an unfolding zombie apocalypse ruining any semblance of normality. This Is Not a Test, directed and written by Adam Macdonald, is an adaptation of Courtney Summers’ book of the same name. Instead of basking in humorous dialogue and/or quirky characters, as some YA stories do, the film’s tone is much bleaker and more dire for its characters. 

Set in the ’90s, This Is Not a Test follows Sloane (Olivia Holt) and her fellow teen survivors as they fight to endure a zombie apocalypse. After boarding up their local high school, they soon realize they’re not out of the woods, and no one is coming to save them. Zombie horror remains a lasting and popular subgenre. Where the adaptation pivots from expectation, however, is that instead of exploring the state of the world after it’s fallen, This Is Not a Test takes us through the early days of an apocalypse.

The film immediately establishes its bleak tone as we’re introduced to Sloane, a teenager suffering from abuse and struggling with suicidal ideation. The film doesn’t spend too long at home with her abusive father, as the apocalyptic chaos is taking place in their neighborhood. There’s no explanation for how or why an outbreak is happening. After a zombie breaks into her home, Sloane takes off running and eventually meets the other characters. 

This is Not a Test (2026) offers a dual meaning in its portrayal of survival films. 

Some of the teen characters we meet at the beginning have their own troubles and issues that are eating them up inside. Holt, as Sloan, is particularly capturing the experience of not only being the victim of abuse, but also of someone who is struggling with their mental health. The film does a great job of depicting a character’s struggle to survive, both internally and externally.

Since there have been plenty of stories about zombie apocalypses, the baseline premise isn’t new. But This Is Not a Test finds new elements by focusing heavily on the emotionally fragile place Sloane finds herself in. It just so happens that those emotional moments combine with decent gore, stress-inducing moments, and an oppressive sensation that there’s no way out for anyone. 

As we go through the motions in a very short period of time, it’s clear that everyone is in over their heads. Especially when unforeseen circumstances, the looming threat of the zombies, and the uncertainty of what’s coming next all bring about stress. Thus leading them to make difficult decisions about whether to stay or leave the relative safety of the abandoned high school. 

A fun take on the genre that doesn’t reinvent it. 

Despite not reinventing zombie or apocalyptic horror, the film taps into an emotional core rather than focusing solely on the zombies. There are no moments of trying to figure out what caused the outbreak or whether the zombies can be treated. Instead, the film is more interested in how Sloane is navigating her apocalyptic landscape.

One issue with This Is Not a Test is that, aside from Sloane, her fellow survivors aren’t fleshed out enough. We don’t get to know who everyone is at their core, which prevents a level of emotional investment when the worst happens to the other teens. Some fine-tuning and stronger personalities for the supporting characters were necessary. 

The performances by the actors outside of Holt aren’t bad, but she is the clear standout.  It’s Holt who draws us in and makes us care about her characters’ journey throughout the film. 

While the ensemble is strong, Olivia Holt makes the most impact.

The low intensity is also an issue, especially since this is an apocalyptic story with zombies. It becomes more psychological horror than outright apocalyptic horror at times, which makes the zombies more of a background issue. Which is disappointing since the zombies themselves are effectively gnarly when they do appear.

The effects are believable, especially in the zombies’ design and the moments of gore. But if you’re looking for nonstop action or people being torn apart, you won’t find it here. It’s unfortunate because This Is Not a Test could use a bit more violence and intensity to raise the stakes.

This Is Not a Test is worth checking out, if not for the zombies, then for Olivia Holt, who drives the film. While it won’t shock or surprise you in terms of the story beats, you won’t regret tuning in. 

This is Not a Test (2026) will stream exclusively on Shudder May 22, 2026.