City of the Living Dead (1980) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
City of the Living Dead, also known as Paura nella città dei morti viventi, is a 1980 Italian horror film directed by the legendary Lucio Fulci. It stands as the first installment in Fulci’s unofficial “Gates of Hell” trilogy, followed by The Beyond (1981) and The House by the Cemetery (1981). With its eerie atmosphere, grotesque special effects, and unapologetic gore, City of the Living Dead is a must-watch for fans of Italian horror and those looking to experience Fulci’s signature blend of surrealism and terror.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, its unique horror elements, critical reception, and the available streaming services in the U.S. where you can watch it online.
Plot Summary: A Portal to Hell Opens in Dunwich
City of the Living Dead kicks off with a suicide that sets off a chain of supernatural events. In the small town of Dunwich, a priest named Father Thomas (Fabrizio Jovine) hangs himself in a cemetery, unknowingly opening a gateway to hell. His death triggers a series of terrifying events, including the rising of the dead.
The story follows two central characters, a journalist named Peter Bell (played by Christopher George) and a psychic medium named Mary Woodhouse (Catriona MacColl). Mary has a vision of Father Thomas’s death during a séance and is prematurely declared dead after falling into a comatose state. She’s saved from being buried alive by Peter, and together, they embark on a mission to stop the impending apocalypse. Their goal: to close the portal to hell before All Saints’ Day, when the dead will overrun the earth.
As they make their way to Dunwich, a series of horrific and surreal events occur—zombies rise from the grave, people fall victim to gruesome deaths, and the boundaries between life and death blur. With time running out, Peter and Mary must confront Father Thomas’s ghostly presence and the undead menace to save the world from eternal doom.
Fulci’s Signature Style: A Dark and Gory Nightmare
City of the Living Dead is best known for its unsettling atmosphere, gruesome special effects, and disturbing imagery. Fulci was a master of creating a dreamlike horror experience, where logic often takes a backseat to visceral emotions and visual horror. This film is no exception, delivering a nightmarish world where supernatural forces dominate, and the rules of reality seem to disintegrate.
One of the most infamous scenes in City of the Living Dead involves a character vomiting up their intestines, an effect created through impressive practical makeup work. Fulci’s use of slow pacing and intense close-ups amplifies the film’s sense of dread, making even the quietest moments feel like an impending threat. Gore hounds will be pleased, as the film doesn’t shy away from showing the horrific consequences of the portal’s opening, with scenes of mutilation and carnage that are not for the faint of heart.
The setting of Dunwich—a fog-shrouded, decaying town—serves as the perfect backdrop for Fulci’s apocalyptic vision. The small town, with its crumbling infrastructure and oppressive atmosphere, adds to the feeling of doom that permeates the movie.
Performances: Catriona MacColl and Christopher George Lead the Cast
Catriona MacColl, in her first collaboration with Fulci, delivers a strong performance as the psychic Mary. Her portrayal of a woman on the edge of death yet determined to stop the apocalypse is both believable and engaging. MacColl’s calm yet determined presence grounds the supernatural plot, giving the viewer someone to root for in the midst of chaos.
Christopher George, playing the skeptical journalist Peter Bell, provides a counterbalance to the film’s more otherworldly elements. His character’s arc from disbelief to horror is well-executed, and his partnership with MacColl’s Mary adds a human element to the story.
The supporting cast, including Giovanni Lombardo Radice and Carlo De Mejo, contribute to the film’s eerie, unsettling tone. They embody the sense of helplessness and confusion as the horrors of Dunwich begin to unfold.
Critical Reception: A Cult Classic of Italian Horror
Upon its release, City of the Living Dead was met with mixed reviews. Critics were divided on Fulci’s surreal narrative style, with some praising the director’s ability to create a haunting and disturbing atmosphere, while others found the plot difficult to follow. The film’s extreme violence and gore shocked some viewers, but it was this very aspect that helped cement its legacy within the horror genre.
Over time, however, City of the Living Dead has gained a cult following, especially among fans of Italian horror and gore-heavy films. It is now regarded as one of Fulci’s essential works, appreciated for its dreamlike quality, imaginative kills, and chilling soundtrack by Fabio Frizzi. Fulci’s ability to create a pervasive sense of dread, even when the narrative takes surreal turns, is now recognized as a hallmark of his filmmaking style.
Where to Watch City of the Living Dead (1980) Online: Streaming and Rental Options
In 2024, City of the Living Dead is available for streaming and rental across multiple platforms in the U.S. If you’re ready to dive into this supernatural nightmare, here are the best options for watching it online:
1. Shudder
City of the Living Dead is available for streaming on Shudder, a platform dedicated to horror, thriller, and supernatural films. As part of Shudder’s extensive horror collection, Fulci’s film is a perfect fit for fans of extreme gore and Italian cinema.
2. Amazon Prime Video
You can rent or purchase City of the Living Dead on Amazon Prime Video. Both SD and HD versions are available, making it an easy option for those looking to experience the film without a subscription to a specific horror service.
3. Google Play Movies
For those who prefer Google Play, City of the Living Dead is available for rental and purchase. Whether you’re watching on your computer, phone, or tablet, Google Play offers flexibility and accessibility.
4. Apple TV
Another great option for fans is Apple TV, where you can rent or buy City of the Living Dead in HD. It’s a convenient choice for Apple users who prefer to integrate their viewing with the Apple ecosystem.
5. Vudu
Vudu also offers City of the Living Dead for rental or purchase. Known for its reliable streaming quality, Vudu is a good choice for those looking to watch the film on various devices with no subscription required.
Is City of the Living Dead Available on Netflix or Hulu?
As of September 2024, City of the Living Dead is not available on mainstream subscription platforms like Netflix or Hulu. However, given the film’s cult status and its place in horror history, it’s possible that it could make appearances in these platforms’ rotating horror selections in the future.
Final Thoughts: Why City of the Living Dead Is Essential Viewing for Horror Fans
City of the Living Dead is a quintessential film for fans of Lucio Fulci and Italian horror. Its unique blend of surrealism, intense atmosphere, and graphic gore makes it a standout in the zombie subgenre and a must-watch for those who enjoy exploring the darker, more abstract corners of horror cinema.
Though not for everyone, the film’s nightmarish quality and Fulci’s distinctive approach to horror ensure its status as a cult classic. For those seeking a movie that combines supernatural elements with visceral terror, City of the Living Dead offers an unforgettable, terrifying experience.
With several streaming and rental options available, including Shudder, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu, it’s easy to find a way to watch this Italian horror masterpiece. So, if you’re brave enough to venture into the haunted town of Dunwich, prepare yourself for a journey into the gates of hell—and the city of the living dead.
