As a movie connoisseur who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I must confess that Jim Jarmusch’s ‘The Dead Don’t Die’ left me feeling like a zombie myself – not because it was terrifying, but because it was so lethargic. Despite its promising premise and star-studded cast, the film seemed to have more conversations about the state of the world than actual zombie action.
Bill Murray, famously recognized for his larger-than-life comedy acts in films like “Groundhog Day” and “Caddyshack”, as well as the witty and sarcastic Peter Venkman in the “Ghostbusters” series, took on a new role in 2019. This was his second foray into zombie comedy (following his impressive cameo in the “Zombieland” franchise), starring in Jim Jarmusch’s “The Dead Don’t Die”. Despite initial positive buzz, the film has faced financial and critical struggles and is set to be released on video-on-demand services starting December 16.
In a humorous and straight-faced manner, Jim Jarmusch’s take on the zombie genre, featuring Adam Driver among others, appeared promising based on its premise and star power. However, the blend of horror, humor, and social commentary fell flat, proving to be more dull than the very zombies it portrayed. Unfortunately, Jarmusch’s exploration of environmental issues through a slow-paced dark comedy failed to resonate with both audiences and critics, resulting in a disappointingly lackluster performance.
Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s safe to say that the main attraction of this film was its exceptional ensemble cast, which added an unexpected twist to its final outcome. Amongst others, Murray and Driver share the screen with Tilda Swinton, who plays a Scottish funeral director with a talent for swordfighting and a distinctly peculiar demeanor. Chloë Sevigny portrays Officer Mindy Morrison, Murray and Driver’s level-headed coworker, while Steve Buscemi takes on the role of a farmer whose MAGA-inspired style and behavior serve as a humorous commentary on Donald Trump’s first term. The cast also includes Selena Gomez, Rosie Perez, Danny Glover, Caleb Landry Jones, and Tom Waits.
What is ‘The Dead Don’t Die’ About?
In the peaceful town of Centerville, we find Murray and Driver, played by Chief Cliff Robertson and Officer Ronnie Peterson, two local law enforcement officers whose tranquil existence is disrupted when the deceased start roaming the streets. Instead of a virus being responsible for the undead uprising this time, it’s due to polar fracking that causes the Earth to deviate from its axis, leading to an assortment of peculiar changes worldwide, including the reanimation of the dead. These zombies are unique, as they seem drawn towards things they cherished in their past lives and begin adopting characteristics from their former human habits.
In “The Dead Don’t Die,” there are some fascinating concepts that catch your attention, yet the movie’s balance leans heavily towards lengthy discussions about the world and only a scant 20 minutes of actual zombie action. This film is commendable for being one of those instances where the director sticks to their creative vision, refusing to alter it to cater to popular culture trends. The movie currently boasts a 58% rating from critics and a rather dismal 38% approval rating among audiences. Despite a low-key release, it only managed to gross slightly over $15 million, which is still a significant disappointment.
As a movie enthusiast myself, I must admit that Jim Jarmusch’s “The Dead Don’t Die” isn’t your typical zombie flick, but it has amassed quite a following since its release. The humor is self-referential, and the delivery of lines, especially by Driver, is remarkably dry and witty. With an ensemble cast that includes many familiar faces, this movie is worth reevaluating. Streaming now on Netflix, this could be your chance to give it a watch if you haven’t already. It’s quirky, slow-paced, and unlike any other zombie film you’ve seen before. So, cozy up with a warm cup of hot chocolate this holiday season and let the laidback storyline wash over you.
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2024-12-15 18:04