Story
As a space probe was returning from its exploration of the planet Venus, it's mysteriously exploded before entering the atmosphere. Was this the real cause for the dead returning from the grave to feeding on the flesh of the living? Well, at least that is what we are lead to believe. (The original script did not include any explanation, it was later added on) Seven strangers are trapped in an isolated farmhouse struggling with the horror that awaits them on the outside and the tension that will eventually destroy them on the inside.
They quickly learn the only want to stop these creature is a blow to the head, preferably from a bullet, or to set them on fire. These zombies are slow moving (Yeah, they're dead. They're all messed up.) and very defeatable, but their human counterparts are more worried about arguing over who's in charge than fighting back. The tension in this film is tremendous and I even find myself sometimes rooting for the zombies. Is that so wrong?
This low-budget cult-classic set the standards for modern horror. The zombies are simple, but effective. The filming in b&w truly adds to the atmosphere. The score is standard music library material, but very eerie. Romero is one of the few directors that can take a chance with this type of ending and succeed, too bad he didn't do the same with Dawn. This is the first course for anyone wanting to get into horror. Hopefully you will pass and not turn into a zombie.
Review
