Dead & Buried

Dead & Buried

Year: 1981

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Gary Sherman

MysteryHorror

A wave of brutal murders shatters the peaceful facade of a small coastal town. As the sheriff and his wife investigate the gruesome crimes, they discover a terrifying secret: the deceased are inexplicably returning from their graves. Facing an escalating crisis and an evil beyond comprehension, they must confront the horrifying truth behind the disturbing events and fight to protect the living.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dead & Buried yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dead & Buried (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dead & Buried (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

The events of 'Dead & Buried' unfold primarily in the 1970s, marked by social upheaval and explorations of supernatural themes. During this period, voodoo and witchcraft began to capture popular fascination, leading to a blend of horror and intrigue that echoes throughout the narrative. This era sets the stage for the horrifying actions and the bizarre happenings in Potters Bluff.

Location

Potters Bluff

Potters Bluff is a small beach community known for its seemingly idyllic charm. However, beneath its tranquil exterior lies dark secrets, as it is home to a town of murderous residents who participate in gruesome acts while capturing them on camera. This coastal town is pivotal to the unnerving events that unfold throughout the film.

🏖️ Beach Town 🏚️ Eerie

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – Dead & Buried (1981)

Meet the key characters of Dead & Buried (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sheriff Dan Gillis (James Farentino)

Dan is the town's sheriff, struggling to maintain order in a community overcome by dark forces. As he delves deeper into the mysterious happenings, he grapples with the shocking truth of his own existence and the complicity of those around him. His journey is fraught with tension and the exploration of guilt and identity.

👮‍♂️ Law Enforcement 💔 Tragic Hero

William G. Dobbs (Jack Albertson)

Dobbs serves as the eerie coroner-mortician whose dark fascination with the dead leads him to unimaginable acts. He possesses a sinister charm and a manipulative nature, guiding the plot's supernatural elements through his knowledge of reanimation techniques. His character embodies the moral decline overlapping with medical curiosity.

⚰️ Mortician 🧙‍♂️ Manipulator

Lisa (Lisa Blount)

Initially appearing as an enchanting young woman, Lisa morphs into a representation of the community's dark undertones. Her duality acts as a catalyst for the film's events, embodying the allure and danger intertwined in Potters Bluff. Her ability to transition from a seemingly innocent lady to an accomplice of horror reflects the unsettling nature of the town.

🌊 Enchantress 🎭 Duality

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – Dead & Buried (1981)

Explore the central themes of Dead & Buried (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧟‍♂️ Reanimation

At the core of 'Dead & Buried' is the theme of reanimation and the horror that accompanies the undead. The film explores the sinister implications of bringing the dead back to life, questioning the nature of humanity and identity. The characters, once familiar, become nightmarish reflections of their former selves, deeply entangled in a cycle of death and resurrection.

📸 Surveillance

The act of documenting the horrific events plays a crucial role in the storyline, where townsfolk film their horrific acts. This theme highlights the unsettling blending of voyeurism and violence, as the townspeople capture their crimes on film, transforming the act of murder into a spectacle. It raises questions about the morality and ethics of observation in a society well-versed in horror.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Unlock the Full Story of Dead & Buried

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dead & Buried 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 Dead & Buried is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dead & Buried Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dead & Buried, 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.

Dead & Buried Summary

Dead & Buried Timeline

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

Dead & Buried Timeline

More About Dead & Buried

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dead & Buried: 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 Dead & Buried

Similar Movies to Dead & Buried

Discover movies like Dead & Buried that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.