Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Release date: 1968-10-04
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: George A. Romero
Production Co: Image Ten
Genre: Horror
Rating: 7.9/10
Length: 1h 36min

Storyline

Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when they are suddenly set upon by zombies. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farm house. She is soon joined by Ben who stopped at the house in need of gas. Beset by the walking dead all around them Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim however with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize there are 5 people hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen and Karen Cooper; and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissensions sets in almost immediately with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute.

Plot Keywords

zombie, radiation, running out of gas, cemetery, basement, year 1968, surprise ending, independent film, cannibalism, eaten alive, siege, brother sister relationship, female nudity, cult director, hammer, race against time, gothic, electronic music score, amorality, mutant

Short Review

Romero conjures moments of eeriness and dread throughout, keeping the lighting low and the special effects to a minimum, though there will be blood, fire, cannibalism and a great deal of death.