This Is Not a Test (2025 film)
| This Is Not a Test | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Adam MacDonald |
| Screenplay by | Adam MacDonald |
| Based on | This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Christian Bielz |
| Edited by | Pamela Bayne |
| Music by | Lee Malia |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by |
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Release dates |
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Running time | 103 minutes[2] |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
| Box office | $213,951[3][4] |
This Is Not a Test is a 2025 apocalyptic horror-thriller film directed, written and produced by Adam MacDonald, starring Olivia Holt, with Froy Gutierrez, Carson MacCormac, and Luke MacFarlane in supporting roles. It is an adaptation of the 2012 novel by Courtney Summers. The film was released in the United States on February 20, 2026, by Independent Film Company and Shudder.[5]
Premise
Students must take cover from infected zombies.[6]
Cast
- Olivia Holt as Sloane Price
- Froy Gutierrez as Rhys Moreno
- Carson MacCormac as Trace Casper, Grace's twin brother
- Corteon Moore as Carson ''Cary'' Chen
- Chloe Avakian as Grace Casper, Trace's twin sister
- Joelle Farrow as Lily Price, Sloane's older sister
- Luke MacFarlane as Mr. Baxter
Production
The film is from Anova Pictures in association with North Avenue Pictures and WorldOne Entertainment. It is directed by Adam MacDonald who is also a producer alongside Cybill Lui. It is adapted from the 2012 young adult novel by Courtney Summers.[7]
The cast is led by Olivia Holt, Froy Gutierrez, and Luke MacFarlane, as well as Corteon Moore, Chloe Avakian and Carson MacCormac.[8]
Principal photography took place in February 2025 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.[9]
Release
The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto After Dark Film Festival.[10] The film was released in the United States on February 20, 2026, by Independent Film Company and Shudder, and was released in Canada a week later by Blue Fox Entertainment.[11]
Critical reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 45% of 33 critics' reviews are positive. The website's consensus reads: "Weighed down by weak characters and technical shortcomings, This Is Not a Test is a thin, frustrating zombie film with not much to say."[12] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 36 out of 100, based on five critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.[13]
References
- ^ https://brooklynhorror2025.eventive.org/films/68b9bd04931788ed9082f1b4
- ^ "This Is Not a Test [14A]". British Columbia Film Classification Office (Consumer Protection BC). February 24, 2026. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ^ "This Is Not a Test". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ "This Is Not a Test". The Numbers. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ London, Rob (December 22, 2025). "Thrilling New Zombie Horror Movie 'This Is Not a Test' Sets Release Date With First Poster [Exclusive]". Collider. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
- ^ "Check Out Cast Of Horror-Thriller 'This Is Not A Test'". Times of India. February 5, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (February 4, 2025). "Olivia Holt, Froy Gutierrez, Luke MacFarlane to Lead Anova Pictures' YA Horror Thriller 'This Is Not a Test,' Blue Fox Launching at EFM (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Humphries, Bethany (February 26, 2025). "Olivia Holt Congratulates Newly Announced Additions to 'This Is Not A Test' Cast". Entertainment Now. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (February 25, 2025). "Corteon Moore, Chloe Avakian & Carson MacCormac Join Horror-Thriller 'This Is Not A Test'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ "TORONTO AFTER DARK ANNOUNCES 2025 LINE-UP". Torontoafterdark.com. September 24, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Mack, Andrew (February 2, 2026). "This Is Not a Test: Canadian Theatrical Date Announced For Canadian Zombie Thriller". ScreenAnarchy. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ^ "This Is Not a Test". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
- ^ "This Is Not a Test Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved March 6, 2026.