‘This Is Not a Test’ Balances Zombie Chaos with Coming-of-Age Dynamics

Following Totally Killer and Heart Eyes, Olivia Holt has solidified her position as a rising scream queen. Even as her latest film, This Is Not a Test, leans more towards a gory thriller than a traditional horror slasher, Holt continues to demonstrate her range within the spine-chilling genre through her portrayal of Sloane Price. The film is an adaptation of Courtney Summers’ novel of the same name.

What Is ‘This Is Not a Test’ About?

This Is Not a Test centers on Sloane, a withdrawn teenager grappling with a difficult home life after her older sister, Lilly, runs away. The film opens with Sloane contemplating suicide, but the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse interrupts her despair. As chaos erupts and her father falls victim to the contagion, Sloane finds herself seeking refuge with four classmates – Rhys (Froy Gutierrez), Cary (Corteon Moore), Grace (Chloe Avakian), and Trace (Carson MacCormac) – inside their high school. Together, they navigate the challenges of survival, forming a makeshift community amidst the devastation and exploring themes of connection, and hope.

Olivia Holt’s Performance Elevates This Atmospheric Zombie Flick

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to create a tense atmosphere from the outset. Lee Malia’s score and Pamela Bayne’s editing contribute to a sense of immersion, foregoing expository dialogue in favor of showcasing the teenagers’ struggle for survival. The film distinguishes itself by focusing less on the zombies themselves and more on how the apocalypse exacerbates Sloane’s pre-existing emotional struggles. When Lilly leaves, Sloane feels unable to move past her misery, and the apocalypse simply reinforces her sense of hopelessness.

Olivia Holt’s performance is central to the film’s emotional core. She portrays Sloane with nuance, capturing the character’s gradual journey towards healing. Her chemistry with Froy Gutierrez, her co-star from Cruel Summer, further highlights Sloane’s desire for connection. The zombie outbreak serves as a catalyst for Sloane to re-evaluate her priorities and embrace the possibility of normalcy.

‘This Is Not a Test’ Doesn’t Fully Develop Its Supporting Cast

While the film excels in its portrayal of Sloane’s internal journey, it falls short in fully developing its supporting characters. Corteon Moore, Chloe Avakian, and Carson MacCormac receive limited screen time and character development. Whereas common in thrillers, the film’s YA elements suggest a need for deeper connections between the group. More scenes between Sloane and Lilly would have also enhanced the emotional impact of the film’s climax.

This Is Not a Test offers a compelling blend of genres, using its gory elements to explore deeper themes of trauma and resilience. The film prioritizes the characters’ emotional journeys over the spectacle of zombie mayhem, creating a hopeful and immersive experience.

This Is Not a Test premiered at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in September 2025 and will be released in theaters on February 20, 2026. The film runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: The director balances a zombie invasion with a hopeful coming-of-age story. The film has an atmospheric feel, thanks to the metal score and the frenetic editing. Olivia Holt’s performance captures Sloane’s unhurried progression towards healing. Holt and Froy Gutierrez build on the chemistry they already had in Cruel Summer.
• Cons: This Is Not a Test limits the supporting characters’ arcs, making them almost one-dimensional. The ending doesn’t quite land, because there isn’t enough screentime dedicated to Sloane and Lilly’s connection.