In a surprising twist, the weird 2019 Jim Jarmusch zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die is now one of the most streamed movies on Netflix, giving it a second lease on life. As people now appreciate what used to be a very divisive movie, this shows how unpredictable preferences in audiences can be.
From Mixed Reviews to Global Acclaim
Upon its release, The Dead Don’t Die received a very lukewarm reception. Critics were split on whether the peculiar humor and the self-aware storytelling of it were great or terrible ideas, while audiences either totally fell for the offbeat charm or totally dismissed it. With a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and modest box office earnings of $15 million, the film seemed destined for obscurity.
Yet, as Netflix viewers rediscover this absurdist comedy, its unique qualities are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Featuring an all-star cast including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Selena Gomez, and Danny Glover, the film masterfully blends humor, horror, and social commentary.
What Makes The Dead Don’t Die to Stand Out?
Unlike the standard zombie movie, Jarmusch’s film is a satire of the genre. Dry humor, meta-references, and slow pacing subvert expectations in his film. Characters frequently break the fourth wall, such as when Adam Driver’s Officer Ronnie Peterson memorably admitted that he “read the script” when predicting events.
The film is basically about environmental degradation-zombies in Centerville are rising because of polar fracking. This is a very sharp satire on the destructive tendencies of humans, delivered with the humor of absurdity.
Song by Sturgill Simpson: A Meta Masterpiece
A defining feature of the movie is its theme song, “The Dead Don’t Die,” written and performed by country singer Sturgill Simpson. Played repeatedly throughout the film, the song becomes a running gag. Characters discuss it as part of the movie’s meta-humor, with Adam Driver’s Ronnie explicitly referring to it as “the theme song.”
Beyond its comedic value, the song’s lyrics encapsulate the movie’s social critique:
“In a somewhat-familiar town
That you saw once when you looked up from your phone
Nobody bothers saying ‘Hi’
And you can save all your goodbyes.“
These lines represent a world completely isolated by technology, such that the man-to-man interface is not seen and only isolation prevails.
Why Now?
The Dead Don’t Die is gaining popularity because tastes change with time among the audiences of streaming platforms. Viewers are nowadays attracted to peculiar, genre-bending films that cannot fit into conventional filmmaking. The indie credentials and the ensemble cast make Jarmusch’s film more attractive.
The social media conversations created a buzz in people who had not been able to see it in the cinemas. Today, audiences love the layered humor and comment that would have been too niche or polarizing to carry at the time of its release.
Timeless Ensemble
Part of the movie’s charisma is its all-star cast, including Bill Murray and Adam Driver in relatively subdued playing roles as two small-town cops who are dealing with a zombie apocalypse. Swinton, as a sword-wielding funeral director named Samantha, gives one such performance that shines out among more minor performances from Selena Gomez, Danny Glover, and Iggy Pop, infusing the movie with memorable ensemble appeal.
Closing Thoughts
The Dead Don’t Die is more than a zombie comedy; it’s the reflection of modern society draped in Jarmusch’s offbeat style. The Netflix revival proves that there’s no such thing as being too late for art greatness.
If you haven’t yet experienced the quirky brilliance of The Dead Don’t Die, now is the best time to see why this once-overlooked gem has become a trending favorite.
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