Review of Dead and Buried (2006) by Mark D — 15 Dec 2010

Gary Sherman's "Dead and Buried" is a film that has somehow slipped under the radar as far as distribution and public awareness go, and I can say with great certainty that it has thus become something of a "hidden gem" for devout horror fans like myself. Penned by "Alien" and "Total Recall" writer Dan O'Bannon, this film explores the small town of Potters Bluff where a series of brutal murders lead the town's Sheriff (played by James Farentino) on a hunt for the killer(s). But the truth behind what is gong on may in fact be far more than his own mind can handle...

This quasi-zombie movie certainly has its share of flaws and problems, including some poor acting and pacing early on, as well as some gaping plot holes and a final twist that feels like it is straight out of a Twilight Zone episode. However, the film's greatest asset is that it takes itself completely seriously, maintaining a level of tension and suspense which causes the shocking violence and eerie character twists to take on far more weight. There is also a fantastic and memorable opening scene, and some truly groundbreaking special effects work by the great Stan Winston, whose immense talents as a makeup/sfx artist can really be seen here.

The thing that really makes "Dead and Buried" memorable though is its tendency to grab you by the throat unexpectedly every once in a while with a shocking and terrifying scene. The rest of the film just kind of moves along lightly without much consequence (including Farentino's performance), but those handful of scenes stand out and remain with you long after the film is over. Like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", the film's horror is driven by our own deeply rooted fear of regular people - our friends, neighbours, or lovers - and the thought that they might randomly turn violent on us all of a sudden without any reason. "Dead and Buried" definitely isn't perfect, but it is pleasantly surprising considering how often overlooked it is, thanks in large part to a handful of shocking scenes, Winston's groundbreaking gore effects, and the many surprising twists that occur right up until the final frame.