Day of the Dead (1985) Review: George A. Romero’s Bleak and Brutal Zombie Masterpiece
Day of the Dead is the third installment in George A. Romero’s iconic zombie trilogy, following Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Dawn of the Dead (1978). Released in 1985, Day of the Dead is a bleak, claustrophobic, and brutally intense exploration of humanity’s final days in a world overrun by the undead. With its darker tone, complex characters, and groundbreaking special effects, the film has become a cult classic, revered for its uncompromising vision and powerful social commentary.
Plot Summary: Humanity on the Brink of Extinction
Set in an underground military bunker, Day of the Dead takes place in a world where the zombie apocalypse is nearly complete. The story follows a small group of survivors—comprising military personnel, scientists, and a few civilians—who are struggling to find a way to either control or eradicate the zombie threat. The group is led by Dr. Sarah Bowman (Lori Cardille), a scientist trying to discover a solution to the zombie plague, and Captain Rhodes (Joseph Pilato), a tyrannical military leader whose sanity is rapidly deteriorating.
As tensions rise between the military and the scientists, the group’s unity begins to crumble. Dr. Logan (Richard Liberty), a scientist nicknamed “Frankenstein,” conducts grotesque experiments on captured zombies, including a particularly docile and intelligent one named Bub (Sherman Howard). Logan’s work with Bub suggests that zombies can be trained or rehabilitated, but his methods horrify the other survivors.
Meanwhile, Captain Rhodes grows increasingly unstable, leading to a violent power struggle within the bunker. As the survivors face internal conflicts and external threats from the growing zombie horde outside, the film builds to a harrowing and explosive climax.
Performance and Characterization: A Cast of Desperate and Flawed Survivors
The performances in Day of the Dead are raw and intense, reflecting the desperate circumstances of the characters. Lori Cardille’s portrayal of Dr. Sarah Bowman is a standout, providing a strong, grounded presence amidst the chaos. Sarah is the film’s moral compass, driven by a desire to find a scientific solution to the zombie crisis while trying to maintain her humanity in the face of overwhelming despair.
Joseph Pilato’s performance as Captain Rhodes is nothing short of terrifying. Rhodes is a man on the edge, driven mad by the hopelessness of the situation and his own thirst for power. Pilato’s portrayal of Rhodes is explosive and unhinged, making him one of the most memorable and despised antagonists in the zombie genre.
Richard Liberty’s Dr. Logan is another fascinating character, embodying the ethical dilemmas faced by those trying to understand the undead. Logan’s experiments with Bub, played with surprising depth by Sherman Howard, add a layer of complexity to the film’s exploration of the nature of humanity and monstrosity.
The supporting cast, including Terry Alexander as helicopter pilot John and Jarlath Conroy as radio operator McDermott, provide additional depth to the story, each character representing different aspects of human survival and the varied responses to a world in collapse.
Direction and Special Effects: A Masterclass in Practical Horror
George A. Romero’s direction in Day of the Dead is deliberate and focused, creating a suffocating atmosphere of dread and inevitability. The film’s setting—a confined, subterranean bunker—contributes to the overwhelming sense of entrapment and despair. Romero’s use of tight spaces and close-ups heightens the tension, making the viewer feel as trapped and desperate as the characters.
The special effects, overseen by legendary makeup artist Tom Savini, are some of the most gruesome and realistic in horror cinema. The zombies in Day of the Dead are more decayed and grotesque than in Romero’s previous films, reflecting the passage of time and the relentless nature of the apocalypse. The gore effects are shockingly visceral, particularly in the film’s brutal climax, which features some of the most memorable and horrific zombie kills ever put to screen.
Savini’s work on Day of the Dead set a new standard for practical effects in horror, and the film’s influence can be seen in countless zombie films that followed. The makeup and effects are not only technically impressive but also serve to underscore the film’s themes of decay and the thin line between the living and the dead.
Themes and Social Commentary: A Dark Reflection on Human Nature
Day of the Dead continues Romero’s tradition of using the zombie genre as a vehicle for social commentary. While Night of the Living Dead dealt with issues of race and Dawn of the Dead satirized consumerism, Day of the Dead delves into themes of militarism, scientific ethics, and the breakdown of social order.
The film’s portrayal of the military as brutal, authoritarian, and ultimately self-destructive serves as a critique of the reliance on force and power in times of crisis. Captain Rhodes represents the dangers of allowing fear and violence to dictate actions, leading to chaos and destruction rather than survival.
Dr. Logan’s experiments raise ethical questions about the lengths to which humanity is willing to go in the name of survival. His attempts to domesticate and rehabilitate the zombies reflect a desperate hope that something human remains within the undead, but his methods blur the line between scientist and monster.
The relationship between Bub and Dr. Logan introduces the idea that zombies might retain some remnants of their former selves, challenging the simplistic view of the undead as mere mindless killers. This theme is further explored in later zombie films, but Day of the Dead remains a seminal work in its nuanced portrayal of the undead.
Where to Watch Day of the Dead Online
For those interested in experiencing Romero’s bleak and brutal vision, Day of the Dead is available on several streaming platforms, especially in the United States:
Streaming Services
- Shudder: Day of the Dead is available on Shudder, a streaming service dedicated to horror films. Shudder offers a curated selection of classic and contemporary horror, making it a perfect platform for fans of the genre.
- Amazon Prime Video: The film is also available on Amazon Prime Video, either as part of a subscription or for rental/purchase. This provides a convenient option for those who want to watch the film in high definition.
- Peacock: Depending on availability, Day of the Dead might be streamed on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. It’s worth checking the platform for its extensive library of classic films.
Rental/Purchase Streaming Services
- Apple iTunes: You can rent or purchase Day of the Dead on Apple iTunes, which offers the film in both standard and high-definition formats.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play Movies provides another option for renting or buying Day of the Dead. The platform is accessible on various devices, making it easy to watch on the go.
- Vudu: Vudu offers Day of the Dead for rent or purchase, known for its high-quality streaming and extensive movie catalog.
- YouTube Movies: The film is also available on YouTube Movies, allowing you to rent or buy and stream directly through the YouTube platform.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting and Relentless Horror Classic
Day of the Dead is a film that pulls no punches in its depiction of the end of humanity. It’s a grim, unflinching exploration of what happens when society breaks down and the dead rise. George A. Romero’s direction, combined with Tom Savini’s groundbreaking special effects and the intense performances of the cast, make this film a standout in the zombie genre.
While it may not have the immediate accessibility of Dawn of the Dead or the groundbreaking impact of Night of the Living Dead, Day of the Dead is an essential film for horror fans. Its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, combined with its shocking and memorable gore, ensures that it remains a powerful and unsettling viewing experience.
For those who appreciate horror with substance and are willing to confront the darker sides of humanity, Day of the Dead is a must-watch. Its availability on various streaming platforms makes it easier than ever to experience this classic piece of horror cinema.
