Few films have had as profound an impact on the horror genre as Night of the Living Dead (1968). Directed by George A. Romero, this low-budget black-and-white film redefined what horror could be, introducing the world to a new kind of terror: the modern zombie. More than just a movie about the undead, Night of the Living Dead is a chilling exploration of human fear, societal collapse, and the fragility of life.
Plot Overview
The film begins with a simple, eerie premise: Barbara (Judith O’Dea) and her brother Johnny (Russell Streiner) visit a cemetery, only to be attacked by a strange man. Johnny is killed, and Barbara flees, finding shelter in a nearby farmhouse. She is soon joined by Ben (Duane Jones) and a handful of other survivors who barricade themselves inside, hoping to escape the growing hordes of reanimated corpses outside.
As the group struggles to survive the night, tensions inside the house rise. Fear, paranoia, and distrust take hold, and soon, the threat from within becomes just as dangerous as the one outside. As the dead continue to rise and surround the farmhouse, the survivors are forced to confront not only the relentless zombies but their own desperation and fractured relationships.
A Groundbreaking Film
Night of the Living Dead was revolutionary for its time. Released in 1968, the film broke several cinematic boundaries and set new standards for horror. It was among the first to feature the now-familiar “flesh-eating” zombie, transforming the folklore of the reanimated dead into something far more terrifying. Romero’s decision to make the zombies slow, relentless, and mindless predators created a new template for horror that has influenced countless films since.
Additionally, Romero’s use of a diverse cast, particularly in casting Duane Jones, an African-American actor, as the lead protagonist was groundbreaking. In a time when racial tensions were high in America, Night of the Living Dead subtly addressed issues of race, though it never explicitly focused on them. Ben’s calm and rational demeanor contrasted sharply with the other characters’ increasing panic, making his role all the more significant in the film’s final, shocking moments.
The Social Commentary
While Night of the Living Dead is often remembered for its terrifying portrayal of the undead, its social commentary is equally powerful. The film reflects the anxieties of the late 1960s, a time marked by civil rights struggles, anti-war protests, and societal unrest. The breakdown of order in the farmhouse mirrors the chaos in the world outside, highlighting how quickly society can collapse when fear takes over.
The ending of the film is especially poignant and devastating. Without spoiling too much, it delivers a haunting message about the cost of survival and the fragility of human life. The bleakness of the film’s conclusion set it apart from other horror movies of the time, leaving audiences with a sense of hopelessness that was rare in cinema.
The Birth of the Zombie Genre
Night of the Living Dead is widely credited with creating the modern zombie genre as we know it today. Romero’s vision of zombies as flesh-eating, reanimated corpses has become the standard for countless films, TV shows, books, and video games. From The Walking Dead to 28 Days Later, the influence of Night of the Living Dead is undeniable.
But beyond just the horror of the undead, Romero used zombies as a metaphor for larger societal issues, a trend he would continue in later films like Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead. The zombies in Night of the Living Dead are not just monsters—they represent the fears and anxieties of a world on the brink of collapse.
The Horror of Human Nature
One of the most striking aspects of Night of the Living Dead is its focus on the horrors of human nature. While the zombies are a constant threat, much of the film’s tension comes from the interactions between the survivors. Their inability to work together, their selfishness, and their fear lead to tragic consequences. Romero uses the claustrophobic setting of the farmhouse to show how quickly people can turn on one another when faced with an existential threat.
The film’s exploration of fear and isolation remains as relevant today as it was in 1968. In a world increasingly divided by politics, social issues, and fear of the unknown, Night of the Living Dead serves as a powerful reminder of how easily society can fracture under pressure.
Final Thoughts
More than 50 years after its release, Night of the Living Dead remains a horror masterpiece. Its low-budget, gritty aesthetic only adds to the sense of dread and realism, making the horror feel all too real. George A. Romero didn’t just make a scary movie—he made a film that resonates on multiple levels, from its exploration of human nature to its commentary on society.
If you’re a fan of horror or simply interested in the origins of the modern zombie genre, Night of the Living Dead is a must-watch. It’s a film that not only terrifies but also makes you think, proving that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones inside us.
