Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead

Year: 1968

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: George A. Romero

Horror

As darkness descends, a group of strangers barricades themselves inside a rural farmhouse, seeking refuge from a terrifying wave of the undead. Facing a relentless and growing horde of flesh-eating ghouls, they must learn to work together to survive the night and uncover the horrifying truth behind the sudden outbreak. Their desperate fight for survival tests their courage and forces them to confront their own fears in the face of unimaginable horror.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Night of the Living Dead (1968). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures a time of societal tension marked by widespread violence and chaos, likely inspired by contemporary anxieties of its era. This backdrop sets the stage for the characters' gripping fight for survival against an emerging threat in a world that feels increasingly dangerous.

Location

Rural Cemetery, Abandoned Farmhouse

The rural cemetery serves as a haunting backdrop, filled with tombstones that signify loss and fear, heightening the tension as the characters confront their worst nightmares. The abandoned farmhouse becomes a refuge turned battleground, its walls echoing with the chaos of ghouls and desperate survivors, representing the last stand against overwhelming horror.

🏞️ Cemetery 🏚️ Farmhouse

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Main Characters – Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Meet the key characters of Night of the Living Dead (1968), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Johnny

Johnny is Barbra's older brother, portrayed as playful yet frustrated by their cemetery visit. His teasing nature quickly turns to bravery as he tries to protect Barbra, showcasing his determination to shield her from danger. However, his fate serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in dire circumstances.

👫 Sibling ⚔️ Heroic 😟 Frustrated

Barbra

Barbra is a young woman grappling with intense fear and trauma as she faces nightmarish events. Initially hesitant and emotionally overwhelmed, her character evolves throughout the story as she struggles to maintain her composure in the face of terror. Her interactions with Ben highlight her changing strength and vulnerability.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Resilient 😰 Fearful 📞 Vulnerable

Ben

Ben emerges as a central figure of strength and leadership amid chaos. With his resolve to fight back against the undead, he becomes a symbol of determination. His interpersonal conflicts, especially with Harry, reveal the complexities of human nature when survival is at stake, demonstrating both bravery and the heaviness of impossible choices.

🏋️‍♂️ Leader 🌪️ Fearless 🔫 Protector

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Major Themes – Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Explore the central themes of Night of the Living Dead (1968), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚰️ Survival

Survival is a dominant theme as characters navigate their fear and desperation in the face of an unrelenting undead threat. The struggle to protect oneself and others highlights the instinctual drive to endure amid chaos. Each character's decisions reflect different approaches to survival, showcasing bravery, cowardice, and the moral complexities of life-and-death situations.

🧟 Fear of the Unknown

The film delves into the fear of the unknown as characters encounter terrifying creatures and situations beyond their understanding. This theme is exemplified by Barbra's initial shock and subsequent descent into panic, illustrating how fear can paralyze yet also propel characters into action. The shifting nature of danger keeps audiences on edge, reflecting societal anxieties during the film's release.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal emerges poignantly in the dynamics among characters, especially as trust erodes amidst panic. The tension between Ben and Harry highlights how fear can breed suspicion, leading even allies to turn against one another. The tragic ending underscores the devastating consequences of betrayal in a desperate fight for survival.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

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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