Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead

Year: 1990

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Tom Savini

Horror

When a plane crashes near Pittsburgh, five strangers find themselves facing an unimaginable horror: the dead are rising. Seeking refuge in a remote farmhouse, they must band together to survive the night as an unrelenting horde of the undead closes in. Facing dwindling supplies and mounting paranoia, the group struggles to understand the crisis and find a way to stay alive against overwhelming odds.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Night of the Living Dead (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Night of the Living Dead (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary timeframe relative to its release, reflecting the societal anxieties surrounding horror and disaster. It captures the chaos and fear prevalent in a world overrun by zombies, symbolizing deeper themes of survival and humanity's fragility. The timeline blends fantasy and reality, emphasizing the urgency of their dire situation.

Location

Cemetery, Farmhouse

The movie predominantly takes place in a remote cemetery and a secluded farmhouse. The cemetery serves as the backdrop for the tragic opening scene, while the farmhouse becomes a makeshift sanctuary for the group as they fend off the undead. The isolation of these locations adds to the tension, highlighting the characters' desperation for survival.

🏞️ Locations 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Main Characters – Night of the Living Dead (1990)

Meet the key characters of Night of the Living Dead (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Johnny (Bill Moseley)

Johnny is a caring yet impulsive brother who rushes to protect his sister, Barbara, during a terrifying encounter with zombies. His strong protective instincts lead to his tragic demise, leaving a profound impact on Barbara. His sacrifice emphasizes themes of familial bonds and the horror of loss.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family ⚰️ Tragedy 💔 Heroism

Barbara (Patricia Tallman)

Barbara is initially portrayed as distressed and vulnerable but transforms into a more resolute character as the film progresses. Her journey from terror to empowerment culminates in her confronting the horrors she faces, making pivotal choices that drive the narrative forward. Her trauma reflects the psychological impact of survival.

🦸‍♀️ Empowerment 😢 Grief 💪 Strength

Ben (Tony Todd)

Ben is a resourceful and determined character who takes charge during the crisis, often clashing with others over survival strategies. His leadership qualities and quick thinking help secure their refuge, yet he grapples with his own vulnerabilities and the dire consequences of their situation. His evolution mirrors the movie's exploration of human resilience.

🦸‍♂️ Leadership 💡 Resourcefulness ⚔️ Conflict

Harry Cooper (Tom Towles)

Harry is a pragmatic character whose insistence on retreating to the cellar creates tension among the group. His protective nature towards his family, coupled with his fear-driven decisions, showcases the complexities of human behavior in crises. His character arc highlights the destructive nature of paranoia.

👪 Parenthood 🥊 Conflict ✋ Desperation

Helen Cooper (McKee Anderson)

Helen plays a supporting role as Harry's wife, often caught in the conflict between her husband and Ben. Her character adds depth to the familial struggles within the group, portraying how fear and desperation can fracture relationships. Her unfortunate fate amplifies the film's horror elements.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Family 😱 Survival 😔 Loss

Tom Landry (William Butler)

Tom is a young man with a sense of hope, caught in the midst of chaos with his girlfriend, Judy. His character represents the youthful desire for survival and love, yet also the fragility of life during a crisis. His fate underscores the movie's themes of loss and tragedy.

💑 Love ⚡ Youth 💔 Loss

Judy Rose Larson (Katie Finneran)

Judy is Tom's supportive girlfriend, embodying the innocence and hope of youth amidst horror. Her enthusiasm contrasts sharply with the grim reality they face, making her eventual fate all the more tragic. Judy's character showcases the harshness of survival circumstances.

💖 Romance 🌸 Innocence ✨ Hope

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Major Themes – Night of the Living Dead (1990)

Explore the central themes of Night of the Living Dead (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Survival

Survival is a central theme of the movie, as the characters struggle to stay alive in the face of a zombie apocalypse. Their differing opinions on how to achieve this highlight the complex dynamics of human relationships under extreme stress. The choices they make can mean the difference between life and death, emphasizing the instinctual drive to survive.

😱 Despair

Despair permeates the film as hope dwindles amidst rising chaos. The characters experience profound loss and conflict, leading to a breakdown of trust and sanity. This emotional turmoil reflects the horror of their reality, ultimately culminating in tragic decisions that highlight the fragility of human life.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict arises not only from the external threat of zombies but also from internal struggles among the survivors. As tensions flare over strategic decisions for survival, the group’s unity disintegrates, showcasing how fear can exacerbate human conflict. These interpersonal clashes become as dangerous as the undead they face.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Unlock the Full Story of Night of the Living Dead

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

Night of the Living Dead Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Night of the Living 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.

Night of the Living Dead Summary

Night of the Living Dead Timeline

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

Night of the Living Dead Timeline

More About Night of the Living Dead

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Night of the Living 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 Night of the Living Dead

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