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 – Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Trace every key event in Dawn of the Dead (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ana Returns Home

After a demanding shift at the hospital in Milwaukee, Ana, a dedicated nurse, returns home to her suburban life with her husband, Louis. They look forward to an intimate evening together, unaware of the impending doom outside their doors.

Milwaukee County
2

The Contagion Emerges

As the night progresses, Ana and Louis miss crucial media warnings about a rapidly spreading contagion that turns people into flesh-eating zombies. This negligence marks the beginning of their nightmare as the world outside begins to unravel.

Suburban Neighborhood
3

Louis Becomes a Zombie

The following morning, Ana is jolted awake by her zombified neighbor, Vivian, who violently attacks her. In a desperate struggle, Louis is bitten by Vivian and soon succumbs to the infection, reawakening as a ravenous zombie.

Ana's Home
4

Ana's Frantic Escape

With Louis now a threat, Ana locks herself inside and narrowly escapes through a window. Heart racing, she flees the chaos of her neighborhood in a car but crashes into a tree while trying to escape an attempted hijacking.

Ana's Neighborhood
5

Encountering Kenneth

Seeking refuge from the devastation, Ana meets Kenneth, a hardened police sergeant. Together, they attempt to reach the safety of the nearby Fort Pastor army base, but their path is fraught with danger from zombies.

Milwaukee
6

Breaking into the Mall

With their escape route blocked by zombies, Ana and Kenneth break into the Crossroads Shopping Mall. They are joined by three other survivors, including the resourceful Michael, who have their own struggles in this new reality.

Crossroads Shopping Mall
7

Confrontation with the Security Guards

Inside the mall, Ana and the survivors confront a group of living security guards. To ensure their safety, they agree to surrender their weapons, realizing that cooperation is necessary to survive the rising threat.

Crossroads Shopping Mall
8

New Survivors Arrive

The next day, a delivery truck brings new survivors, including businessman Steve and elderly Glen. They share grim news that Fort Pastor has fallen, heightening the group's fear and sense of isolation in the mall.

Crossroads Shopping Mall
9

Communication with the Outside World

After an intense encounter with an injured woman who reanimates, the group realizes the dire effects of zombie bites. Tensions erupt between Ana and Michael on how to deal with their infected comrade, Frank, highlighting the group's deteriorating dynamics.

Crossroads Shopping Mall
10

Power Outage Chaos

As life in the mall grows increasingly fraught with danger and interpersonal conflicts, a power outage forces a group to venture into the underground parking garage. They find a friendly dog named Blue, but their relief is short-lived when Bart is bitten, leading to panic among the survivors.

Crossroads Shopping Mall Parking Garage
11

Andre's Despair

With Luda's condition worsening, Andre struggles with despair, making devastating decisions that lead to tragic consequences for their family. This loss deepens the emotional turmoil already present among the group.

Crossroads Shopping Mall
12

Planning the Escape

Amid a memorial for their fallen comrades, Kenneth encourages the group that they must take action rather than wait to die. They devise a daring escape across the water to a nearby island, preparing makeshift buses for protection.

Crossroads Shopping Mall
13

Facing the Horde

As the survivors attempt their escape, they confront overwhelming hordes of zombies, resulting in heartbreaking sacrifices. Each member must confront their fears and make choices that could mean life or death.

Zombie-Infested Areas
14

Michael's Choice

In a heartbreaking moment, Michael, who has been bitten, makes a final choice as they board the boat. He leaves Ana and the remaining survivors to face the uncertain fate that lies ahead on the open water.

Dock
15

The Grim Epilogue

As the credits roll, Terry's camera captures the survivors' desperate attempt to reach safety on an island, only to be met with yet another wave of zombies. Their fates hang in the balance, leaving the audiences with a haunting sense of uncertainty.

Island

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:02

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Dawn of the Dead Summary

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Dawn of the Dead Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dawn of the Dead

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dawn of the Dead

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