Dawn of the Dead

Dawn of the Dead

Year: 2004

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Zack Snyder

DramaThrillerHorror

Following a zombie outbreak that devastates Milwaukee, a woman named Ana escapes a violent attack and seeks safety in a shopping mall. Inside, she joins a small group of survivors, including a police officer, as they attempt to establish a secure refuge. However, they soon discover that protecting themselves from the relentless undead threat will test their courage, challenge their relationships, and force them to confront the fragility of human connection in a world gone mad.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dawn of the Dead (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting a modern-day world quickly devolving into chaos due to a zombie outbreak. This time period captures the rapid collapse of societal norms and safety in the face of overwhelming threats, showcasing humanity's struggle for survival.

Location

Milwaukee County, Crossroads Shopping Mall, Fort Pastor Army Base

The movie primarily takes place in Milwaukee County, known for its vibrant neighborhoods and urban life. The Crossroads Shopping Mall serves as a central refuge for the characters, providing both hope and danger amid a zombie apocalypse. Nearby, Fort Pastor Army Base symbolizes the last stronghold of safety, now overrun and a critical point of despair.

🏙️ City 🏬 Shopping Mall 🏰 Military

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:19

Main Characters – Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Meet the key characters of Dawn of the Dead (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ana (Sarah Polley)

Ana is a brave and determined nurse thrust into a nightmare scenario. Initially focused on her personal life, she quickly becomes a leader, showing resilience as she adapts to the chaotic environment. Her character embodies strength and compassion, often struggling with the weight of choices made for survival.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse 💪 Strength 🌪️ Resilience

Kenneth (Ving Rhames)

Kenneth serves as a hardened police sergeant, bringing a critical survival instinct and leadership qualities to the group. His no-nonsense attitude helps rally the survivors, but he also showcases vulnerability and empathy, especially when dealing with losses. Kenneth's character reflects the burden of authority in a collapsing world.

👮‍♂️ Police 🔥 Leadership ⚔️ Protector

Michael (Jake Weber)

Michael is a pragmatic and resourceful survivor who becomes a voice of reason within the group. His character is defined by the internal conflict of maintaining hope while executing tough decisions. He ultimately faces a poignant moment when confronting his fate, highlighting the theme of sacrifice.

🧠 Resourceful ⚖️ Moral Dilemma 🕊️ Sacrifice

Andre (Mekhi Phifer)

Andre is a small-time crook whose character arc evolves as he confronts the dire circumstances of the apocalypse. The stress of survival leads him to make tragic decisions, and his relationship with his pregnant wife, Luda, underscores his internal struggle and growth amidst chaos.

🚨 Troublemaker 💔 Tragedy 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:19

Major Themes – Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Explore the central themes of Dawn of the Dead (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔫 Survival

Survival is the core theme of the movie, exploring the lengths individuals will go to stay alive amid dire circumstances. Characters are constantly faced with moral dilemmas, forcing them to make tough choices that test their humanity. The film illustrates the fragility of civilization and the primal instinct to survive against all odds.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss weaves through the narrative as characters grapple with the death of loved ones and the emotional toll of their decisions. As the group faces heartbreaking sacrifices, the impact of the contagion on relationships and morale deepens. Each lost companion reinforces the loneliness and despair of their new reality.

🤝 Community

Community plays a pivotal role as the survivors band together in an effort to face the zombie menace. Despite personal conflicts, they must collaborate to enhance their chances of survival. This theme emphasizes the importance of human connection and solidarity in chaotic times, as characters navigate trust and betrayal.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:19

Unlock the Full Story of Dawn of the Dead

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dawn of the Dead in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dawn of the Dead is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dawn of the Dead Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dawn of the Dead, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dawn of the Dead Summary

Dawn of the Dead Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dawn of the Dead with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dawn of the Dead Timeline

More About Dawn of the Dead

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dawn of the Dead: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dawn of the Dead

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