The zombie film genre has come a long way since the release of George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead in 1968. From slow-moving, mindless flesh-eaters to fast and intelligent predators, the portrayal of zombies has evolved greatly over the years. In this article, we’ll examine the evolution of zombie films, from the classic Night of the Living Dead to modern-day hits like The Walking Dead.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the Living Dead is widely regarded as the film that kickstarted the zombie genre. Directed by George A. Romero, it tells the story of a group of survivors trying to survive a zombie epidemic. The film’s zombies were slow-moving and lumbering, but terrifying nonetheless. The film’s social commentary on race and consumerism also helped to elevate the film beyond just a horror flick.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Ten years after Night of the Living Dead, George A. Romero released Dawn of the Dead. This film took the zombie genre to new heights. Set in a shopping mall, the film was a commentary on consumerism and the state of society. The zombies in this film were still slow-moving, but the gore and violence was ramped up to a new level.
28 Days Later (2002)
While not technically a zombie film, 28 Days Later deserves a mention in any discussion about the evolution of the genre. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus has turned most of the population into rage-filled maniacs. The zombies in this film were fast-moving and intelligent, making them even more terrifying.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun of the Dead is a comedy-horror film that pokes fun at the zombie genre. Directed by Edgar Wright, the film follows Shaun and his friend trying to survive a zombie epidemic in London. The film’s zombies were slow and lumbering, and the film was more concerned with making audiences laugh than scaring them.
The Walking Dead (2010-present)
The Walking Dead is a television series that has been airing since 2010. Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, the show follows a group of survivors as they try to stay alive in a world overrun by zombies. The zombies in this series are slow-moving, but the show makes up for it with its excellent character development and storytelling.
Conclusion
The zombie genre has come a long way since Night of the Living Dead. From slow-moving, mindless zombies to fast and intelligent predators, the portrayal of zombies has evolved greatly over the years. However, one thing remains constant – zombies are still terrifying. Whether it’s through comedy or gore, the zombie genre shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.