Braindead: More Than Just Gore? Hear Me Out...

Okay, horror hounds, let's talk Braindead (or Dead Alive if you're fancy). I know, I know, it's basically a gore-fest – the lawnmower scene alone probably used more fake blood than all the Saw movies combined. But I've been rewatching it, and I'm starting to think there's a seriously messed-up, darkly comedic commentary going on here. Specifically about control, repressed sexuality, and maybe even Peter Jackson's own relationship with his mom, LOL. Think about it: Lionel is completely dominated by his overbearing mother, right? She infantilizes him completely. Then she gets bit, and HE's forced to deal with the consequences, all while trying (and failing spectacularly) to keep her contained. It's like a metaphor for growing up and having to deal with the messy, embarrassing, and frankly disgusting realities of family – taken to the most extreme, stomach-churning level imaginable. And the whole love story subplot with Paquita? It's almost like she's this symbol of freedom and desire that Lionel can't fully embrace until he finally gets his mom off his back, permanently. Plus, the way Jackson films the zombies, especially at the party, is almost...parodic? There's something inherently absurd about the escalating chaos, like he's poking fun at suburban conformity and the horror of 'normal' life. I'm probably reaching here, but the zombie baby is a walking (crawling?) Freudian nightmare! I mean, Lionel literally has to wrestle with this grotesque symbol of stunted emotional growth. It is a lot, I know, but it's what hits me on my rewatch. Just a thought! What do you guys think? Am I reading too much into this splatter-fest, or is there something deeper lurking beneath the gallons of fake blood? I'm ready for the debate, I'm just sayin' this is more than just a silly gore movie, y'all. Braindead is a straight-up fever dream and a bloody masterpiece.