Movie Review: The Dead Don't Die (2019)

The Dead Don’t Die is a movie that came to my attention quite literally out of nowhere. I seem to recall hearing something about a movie being made locally, to me, and it turns out it was this. I do not know precisely where, but the locations seem vaguely familiar to me. I was also clued in by the majority of the audience at my screening were zombie extras in the film. In any case, the movie itself is a dry-witted, masterpiece. I absolutely loved the simplicity of everything.



I am not here to do a full blown review, as some time has passed since I’ve seen it, but moments keep replaying in my head. It is a zombie apocalypse film that flows between moments of zombie mayhem and moments of small town smallness. There are moments with oddball characters that seem plucked from a different movie and an overall stream of consciousness to all of the proceedings that completely disarmed me.

Basically, all I really want to do is advise that you go out and see it when you can. It is worth the effort. From the crazy cast list, to the matter of fact performances, and all of the moments that make you laugh, chuckle, or just wonder that is going on. It is one of my favorite movies of the year to this point.

One of the things that drew me in, much like Brightburn, is its simplicity. It is a simple concept buoyed by dark, dry wit, a cast that knows exactly what is going on, and a vision that refuses to let the screen get cluttered. It is a story that leaves elements open ended for your enjoyment and interpretation, or they can be left as a piece of the tale unexplained. It is rather refreshing to come across a movie like this on occasion. A movie that feels like it could be something bigger than it is, yet remain within itself and not feel the need to explore all of its threads.

Highly Recommended.