As someone who’s been a fan of quirky, self-referential films since I was a kid, finding “The Dead Don’t Die” was like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a dusty record store. The movie’s meta narrative and stellar cast, which includes some of my favorite actors, had me hooked from the very first scene.
Many films and TV series have seen a resurgence in popularity years after their initial release, often appearing on Netflix’s trending list. A recent example is Jim Jarmusch’s 2019 offbeat horror movie, “The Dead Don’t Die”. At the time of writing, it was the third most-watched movie on Netflix among its subscribers. And I must admit, it has left quite an impression on me.
To put it plainly, there’s no concealing my enthusiasm – I’ve rarely been so convinced about loving something as I am now. It’s been five long years since a zombie apocalypse movie that I believe is among the finest ever produced graced our screens and sparked heated debates (many of my peers and friends found it less than appealing). However, I’m not boasting merely because The Dead Don’t Die happens to be one of the top films on Netflix at the moment. Instead, allow me to share my thoughts…
I Feel Like I Was One Of The Few People Who Actually Liked The Dead Don’t Die Back In 2019
When “The Dead Don’t Die” premiered, I couldn’t wait to share my enthusiasm for this quirky zombie flick about a town battling an undead horde. However, it was disappointing when nearly all of my friends appreciated it, leaving only one who felt the same as me. It wasn’t just among my group, either, as the movie received a 54% on Rotten Tomatoes and 38% from fans on Popcornmeter.
Upon revisiting, I took a closer look at my team’s thoughts on “The Dead Don’t Die” when it first premiered. While our formal review awarded it a 3/5, it was the highest score among us. The average rating, however, was a mere 2.4/5, making it even less popular than the critically panned “Men in Black International,” which also debuted that weekend.
Was it my poor judgment, or was the unique blend of horror and comedy in the film featuring Bill Murray, Adam Driver, and Selena Gomez perhaps not as widely appreciated as I had expected?
But Now Jim Jarmusch’s Off-Beat Zombie Comedy Is One Of The Most Popular Movies On Netflix
After initially viewing the movie a couple of times, I mostly set it aside and seldom thought about it unless discussing Adam Driver’s top films or when “The Dead Don’t Die” by Sturgill Simpson came up on Spotify.
It’s safe to say I was taken aback and thrilled when I stumbled upon the highly-acclaimed zombie movie, which seems out of place, at the top of Netflix’s trending section. In fact, it’s puzzling how this obscure film, which only a select few (including myself) appreciated five years ago, has gained more popularity than Barbie and Megan Fox’s robot movie. Nevertheless, I’m not aiming to explain the mystery; instead, I’m simply delighted that more viewers are now able to enjoy Bill Murray’s calm portrayal of managing a zombie outbreak after all this time.
I’m So Glad People Are Finally Getting To See The Dead Don’t Die’s Ridiculously Stacked Cast In Action
In terms of zombie (or horror) films featuring large ensembles, this particular movie stands alone at the top. Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, and Tilda Swinton are among the cops portrayed, while Tilda Swinton also takes on the role of a katana-wielding funeral home director. Danny Glover plays the owner of a hardware store, Selena Gomez and Austin Butler before his ‘Elvis’ days play young travelers, Iggy Pop, RZA, and Tom Waits appear as miscellaneous characters, and Carol Kane plays a drunk zombie on the hunt for a bottle of chardonnay.
As a lifelong horror and comedy enthusiast, I can confidently say that this movie is one of the best horror-comedy films I’ve ever seen. Having grown up watching classic zombie movies, it was a delight to see familiar faces take on the role of undead creatures. Admittedly, some of the line delivery seemed a bit rough around the edges, but I found that added to the charm of the film for me. With its unique blend of humor and horror, this movie truly stands out in the genre.
Maybe People Are Finally Coming Around To The Movie’s Awkward And Self-Referential Tone
The Dead Don’t Die is incredibly self-referential in its movie-making, making it one of the most self-aware horror films I’ve ever encountered. This unique quality significantly enhances the film, and I’m thrilled that more viewers are getting to see it for themselves. Not everyone may enjoy it, but the number of people watching it is skyrocketing.
Throughout the movie, characters occasionally allude to being part of a film by mentioning the title song. However, towards the end, Officer Ronnie Peterson (played by Driver) tells Cliff Roberton (Murray) that he knew things would turn out tragically because he read it in the script “Jim” had given him. In this critical moment, as death approaches, Driver’s delivery is strikingly casual and expressionless as he discusses the script, making it all the more powerful. Simply put, it’s brilliant!
And Can We All Agree That Sturgill Simpson’s The Dead Don’t Die Theme Song Is Absolute Perfection?
I don’t know how many people know this, but Sturgill Simpson can write a damn good song. He’s put out some of my favorite albums of the past decade-and-a-half, and his title track here is honestly one of the finest additions to his discography. The song is used multiple times throughout the movie, including a rather transfixing scene featuring Selena Gomez driving down a lonely country road.
This country song, reminiscent of an old gospel tune such as “What Are They Doing in Heaven Today,” stands out on its own merit, even outside of the film context. The track, “Breakers Roar” from Simpson’s 2016 album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, was skillfully employed in a breathtaking scene in Civil War earlier this year. Similarly, though “The Dead Don’t Die” is used for comedic effect within the zombie movie, it shares the same captivating quality that effortlessly moves the scene along.
If you haven’t listened to it yet, this tune serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the music of a highly creative and influential contemporary country artist.
Amongst the numerous forthcoming zombie films, I find it hard to imagine another one that matches the unique charm of “The Dead Don’t Die.” Frankly, I can’t help but feel that its quirky blend of humor and horror might be an unparalleled sight for our eyes in the future. However, let me assure you, this isn’t all gloomy news! This peculiar spectacle is a delightful treat that we should cherish, as it offers us a fun-filled escape from reality.
Stream The Dead Don’t Die on Netflix.
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2024-12-22 00:07