Hapless stoner Marbles (Thomas Sainsbury) may appear to be a useless coaster, but he does some very good things by helping the dead move on. He’s come up with a liquid made from marijuana that when injected means he can see and talk to those who have passed on. For all the people he helps, he can’t get over his own father’s death. A recently murdered cop, Tagg (Hayden J. Weal), convinces him to help catch his killer. As they investigate together, Marbles gets close to Tagg’s sister Petra (Emily Campbell, who sadly passed away in September), who has been carrying out her own probe into the killings that had been going on for a while.

This New Zealand comedy has a zest that’s infectious from the start. The initially fraught relationship between the spectral Tagg and mystic Marbles leads to a sensitive level when certain aspects of the slain copper’s life are revealed. This also brings some wonderful comedic moments from Marbles. Thomas Sainsbury, who co-wrote with director and actor Hayden J. Weal plays a wonderful character, often mispronouncing words and, despite the weed abuse, is a decent sort.

There are comparisons to be made with the equally charming Extra-Ordinary, but Dead certainly has a life of its own, so to speak. Despite the supernatural element, it can’t really be classed as a horror-comedy, and there’s plenty of heart to the characters, even the drug dealer! There are more moments that make you smile rather than laugh out loud, but when everything fits together as well as this does, that’s not an issue. Highly recommended.