Dead of Night Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Mommy’s boy dies in Vietnam, comes back undead because she wished *really* hard, then ruins family night and dates.

🍿 Dead of Night: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Brooks Family Receives Tragic News

The film opens during the Vietnam War where a young soldier, Andy Brooks, is shot and killed in action. Back in the United States, his family – mother Christine, father Charles, and sister Cathy – receive the devastating news of his death. Christine, however, refuses to accept that her son is gone.

Andy Returns Home

Mysteriously, on the very same night, Andy appears at the Brooks’ doorstep, seemingly unharmed. Overjoyed, the family welcomes him home, dismissing the earlier notification as a mistake. However, Andy is not the same. He’s withdrawn, quiet, and spends most of his time listlessly sitting in his room.

Strange Occurrences and Mounting Suspicion

As days pass, unsettling events begin to plague the small town. A local truck driver is murdered, his body drained of blood. Charles grows increasingly suspicious of Andy, noticing his strange behavior and the coincidental timing of his return with the murder. Christine, blinded by her love for Andy, refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing.

Andy’s Descent and Violent Acts

Andy’s condition worsens; he becomes more secretive and violent. He attacks a neighborhood boy and even kills the family dog. Charles confronts Christine, leading to a heated argument and further division within the family. Meanwhile, it becomes clear that Andy needs blood to survive, injecting it into his body with a syringe.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andy Brooks (Richard Backus): A Vietnam soldier killed in action, he returns home as an undead being craving blood, embodying the trauma and horror of war.
• Christine Brooks (Lynn Carlin): Andy’s mother, blinded by love and denial, refuses to accept her son’s death and then his monstrous nature, driving the tragic events.
• Charles Brooks (John Marley): Andy’s father, a World War II veteran, struggles to reconcile his idealized view of war with his son’s horrifying transformation and the disintegration of his family.
• Cathy Brooks (Anya Ormsby): Andy’s sister, she is caught between her loyalty to her family and her growing awareness of the horrifying reality surrounding her brother’s return.
• Doc Allman (Henderson Forsythe): A family friend and doctor, he is one of the first to suspect Andy’s dark secret and tries to warn Charles, becoming a victim himself.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Andy: “I died for you, Doc. Why shouldn’t you return the favor?” – Said to Doc Allman just before attacking him, highlighting the film’s anti-war sentiment and Andy’s resentment.
• Christine: “Andy, you’ll come back. You’ve got to. You promised.” – Christine’s desperate plea as Andy is dying in Vietnam, setting the stage for his unnatural return.
• Christine: “Some boys never come home.” – Said by Andy’s mother at the very end of the film kneeling over Andy’s grave. This is a haunting reflection on the true cost of war.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $235,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Dead of Night Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘Dead of Night’ late one night, and it definitely stuck with me. It’s more eerie than outright scary, focusing on the family’s reaction to Andy’s… return. The scene at the drive-in was genuinely unsettling. Lynn Carlin is amazing as the mother, blinded by grief. It’s a really disturbing look at how war can destroy families, both literally and figuratively. The ending is heartbreaking and kinda messed me up.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1970s horror films”
  • “Viewers interested in anti-war themes”
  • “Those who appreciate slow-burn, atmospheric horror”
  • “Fans of Tom Savini’s special effects work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Murder”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Animal death”

Professional Reviews

• AllHorror.com: “A haunting and unsettling exploration of grief and the horrors of war, ‘Dead of Night’ transcends its low-budget origins with powerful performances and a chilling atmosphere. Clark masterfully blends family drama with supernatural horror, leaving a lasting impression.
• HorrorNews.net: “Bob Clark’s ‘Dead of Night’ is a thought-provoking horror film that tackles the Vietnam War’s impact on families. Richard Backus delivers a chilling performance as the undead soldier, creating an atmosphere of unease and despair. It is a compelling watch but may not appeal to gorehounds.
• FilmReview.com: “‘Dead of Night’ delivers a chilling, low-budget thriller that resonates with themes of loss and denial. While it may not be for those seeking jump scares, it offers a unique and somber reflection on the cost of war and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

Audience Reactions

The family dynamic was intense and realistic.: Viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of grief and denial within a family context.

The movie gave me chills!: Fans found Richard Backus’ performance genuinely creepy and unsettling.

Overall Consensus: A disturbing and thought-provoking horror film that explores themes of grief, denial, and the devastating effects of war, particularly on the American family, with a unique blend of horror and drama.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tom Savini’s first film as a makeup artist, marking the beginning of his legendary career in special effects.”
• “The film explores themes of the Vietnam War, PTSD, and the disintegration of the American family, unusual for a horror film at the time.”
• “Bob Clark, known for a diverse filmography, directed this film between his early horror works and later comedies like ‘A Christmas Story’.”
• “The film draws inspiration from W.W. Jacobs’ short story ‘The Monkey’s Paw’, exploring the dangers of tampering with fate.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dead of Night?

As a cult classic, ‘Dead of Night’ (also known as ‘Deathdream’) can be challenging to find on mainstream streaming services. Currently, it is not widely available on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video without additional purchase. Your best bet is to check rental or purchase options on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Physical media such as Blu-ray or DVD can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and specialty horror stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dead of Night, you might like these similar films:

• Martin (1977): Explores a similar theme of a disturbed young man with vampiric tendencies but grounds it in psychological realism, rather than supernatural horror.
• The Exorcist (1973): Deals with the theme of parental horror as a child becomes consumed by something sinister
• Jacob’s Ladder (1990): Explores the psychological trauma of the Vietnam War through a surreal and horrific lens, dealing with themes of returning veterans and fractured realities.
• Pet Sematary (1989): Echoes similar themes of the dangers of tampering with death and the tragic consequences of bringing back loved ones from the grave.

🛒 Dead of Night Related Products

• Deathdream [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray release of the cult classic horror film. Features bonus content, including commentaries and behind-the-scenes footage. A must-have for horror fans.
• Tom Savini’s Grindhouse Effects: Deathdream (1974): Tom Savini Autographed Photo. The photo will come with a tamper proof numbered hologram sticker and matching Certificate of Authenticity
• Vietnam War Era US Army Soldier Action Figure: Bring the realism of the Vietnam War home with this authentic-looking soldier action figure. A fantastic piece of historical memory and an exciting toy.
• Bob Clark: Horror Pioneer: Insightful Biography About Horror Director Bob Clark ( Black Christmas, Deathdream

🎧 Soundtrack

Dead of Night features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Camptown Races” – performed by Stephen Foster

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gamers react to : Caught by Jimmy [at Dead of Night]

Ever wondered how others react to the terrifying Jimmy in ‘Dead of Night’? This compilation of popular gamers getting spooked is hilarious and relatable. It’s a fun way to experience the game’s scares through their eyes!

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