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On the surface it's just a low budget zombie film. The fact that it became the defining film of its genre ,and even a social commentary at a moment of civil-rights unrest in the United States, just goes to show that great films can be made without a lavish production schedule. Sure, the acting isn’t great. Whilst Duane Jones is pretty good, it’s his character that really sets the film alight (quite literally too). He plays an intelligent, brave, resourceful anti-hero who also happens to be black, something completely unheard of at its time. He even breaks all the bigoted rules by slapping white girl, Judith O’Dea (who gives the best performance in the film). I love the whole concept of the characters seeking the house for shelter from the ‘ghouls’ as it adds a familiarity and normality to the fantasy. Great score, plenty of good shocks, gripping plot and well directed all up to the chaotic final scenes (the little zombie girl and the shovel is chilling). A bona-fide classic.
5/5
