Dead & Buried (1981)

 

Here we have a truly undiscovered gem. It's pretty hard to find (in Europe at least) and it's a fairly safe bet that most people don't know of this little film produced by Ronald Shusett (you know, of 'Alien'-fame?). That is a real shame, because this is one of those interesting and atmospheric films that blends elements from several genres pretty well together and it has some gruesome effects by the legendary Stan Winston, so it's hard not to like this one. 

James Farentino is Dan Gillis, sheriff in a small New England town called Potter's Bluff. Usually, nothing much happens here, but when an out-of-town photographer is discovered in a car wreck, still alive but horrifically burnt, things start to get bizarre. The poor guy gets killed in the hospital by a syringe to his eye, which is also one of the most bone chilling effects on display here. Shortly after, a drunk fisherman gets ripped apart as well. Sheriff Dan doesn't get it, as murder isn't something that happens regularly in this town. Heck, it shouldn't happen at all.

But it gets even more bizarre, as the people that are killed are soon up and running again, completely intact and with no recollection of their past life. Instead, they blend in to the community and everyone acts as if they have been there for donkey's years. Dan is desperately trying to clue everything together, but he is stumped as to how, why and what is exactly happening. 

But maybe the elderly town coroner has some answers... 

Yes, there is purposefully little information given, as this film's denouement has to be seen first hand. It is quite clever and the reveal of why things happen is actually pretty unexpected. The story peppers little hints throughout, but they are mostly red herrings. The actual reason these things happen is far more off kilter yet fitting. 

This film oozes atmosphere and it is hard not to enjoy the bleak New England setting with its grey clouds and rain. This also makes the film's shocking moments more impactful, as they often come completely out of left field. Heck, the film sort of starts with the burning alive of the photographer and then events never let up until the end. There aren't any real big name actors present, which will have you wondering who is involved and who might be the next one on the slab. Cool way to up the tension, right there. 

Suffice to say that this one is a real treat for horrorfans and people that like suspenseful stories with some creepy gore thrown in. There's one effect that looks like shit, but that was done afterwards by another special effects team and it is painfully obvious the quality doesn't match the rest but besides that, this is a highly enjoyable and grim feature. Horror aficionados: try and get your mitts on a copy of this one. You won't be disappointed.