Night of the Comet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A comet turns everyone into dust, except two Valley Girls who now have to deal with zombie stockboys and scientists who want their blood… because science!

🍿 Night of the Comet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Comet’s Arrival and Initial Chaos

The film opens with anticipation for a comet’s arrival, an event unseen in 65 million years. Regina, working at a movie theater, spends the night with her boyfriend in the steel-lined projection booth, while her sister Samantha argues with their stepmother and sleeps in the steel garden shed. This sets the stage for their survival, as the comet’s passage turns most of humanity into red dust. The next morning, they emerge to find the world deserted. The sky is an eerie red, and clothes lie empty where people once stood. Realizing the severity of the situation, they speculate that the steel structures protected them from the comet’s deadly effects. This discovery marks the beginning of their journey to understand and survive in this new, desolate world.

Searching for Survivors and Encountering Hector

Seeking answers, Regina and Samantha venture out to find other survivors. They locate a still-broadcasting radio station, where they encounter Hector, a truck driver who also survived by sleeping in his steel trailer. Together, they assess the situation and attempt to reach out to any other potential survivors. Samantha’s broadcast attracts the attention of scientists hiding in an underground bunker, who explain that the comet turned most people to dust, while partial exposure leads to zombification. The scientists promise rescue, but their true intentions remain hidden, setting up a conflict that will test the group’s survival skills.

The Scientists’ Deceit and the Fight for Survival

Hector leaves to check on his family, while Regina and Samantha arm themselves and embark on a shopping spree, a darkly comedic moment of levity amid the apocalypse. However, their fun is cut short when they are captured by zombie stock boys, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by those partially affected by the comet. The scientists arrive and rescue them, but Regina is taken to the bunker while Samantha is left behind. Audrey, one of the scientists, reveals the truth: the scientists are turning into zombies due to a ventilation mishap in the bunker and seek the survivors’ blood to create a serum. This revelation turns the scientists into the primary antagonists, forcing the group to fight not only zombies but also desperate, power-hungry humans.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Regina Belmont (Catherine Mary Stewart): A resourceful and tough teenage movie usher who survives a comet and fights to protect her sister and other survivors.
• Samantha Belmont (Kelli Maroney): A cheerful and somewhat ditzy cheerleader who, along with her sister, becomes a key figure in the post-apocalyptic world.
• Hector Gomez (Robert Beltran): A resourceful truck driver who joins forces with the Belmont sisters and becomes a romantic interest for Regina.
• Dr. Carter (Geoffrey Lewis): The increasingly desperate and morally compromised leader of a group of scientists seeking to cure themselves from the comet’s effects.
• Audrey White (Mary Woronov): A conflicted scientist who initially works with Dr. Carter but ultimately rebels against his methods and aids the protagonists.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Samantha Belmont: “Daddy would have gotten us Uzis.” – Samantha says this when the MAC-10 jams during target practice, wishing they had more reliable weapons.
• Regina Belmont: “Hey, I’m sorry if the end of the world makes me nervous.” – Regina retorts sarcastically when Samantha is annoyed by her concern for survival.
• Samantha Belmont: “Beam me up, Scotty!” – Samantha jokingly says this into the radio microphone, unaware of the actual danger they are in.
• Regina Belmont: “The burden of civilization is upon us.” – Regina states it sarcastically about how she’s taking pictures of her and Hector and the kids when Samantha interrupts them to cross the street.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $700,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,418,922
• Worldwide Gross: $14,418,922

💥 Night of the Comet Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so this movie is totally 80s, but I love it! It’s got valley girls, zombies, and a comet – what more could you want? The shopping spree scene is iconic, and the ‘Dad would have gotten us Uzis’ line is pure gold. It’s cheesy, but in the best way possible. I always watch it when I need a good laugh and a reminder of the simpler times.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s cult films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy sci-fi horror comedies”
  • “Those interested in post-apocalyptic stories with strong female leads”
  • “People looking for a unique twist on the zombie genre”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild gore and violence”
  • “Zombie-like creatures”
  • “Thematic elements related to the end of the world”

Professional Reviews

• HollywoodOutbreak.com: “A standout is the cast, especially Stewart and Maroney. Their portrayal of sisters navigating the apocalypse injects humor and heart into the film. Eberhardt’s direction balances the sci-fi elements with the valley girls’ personalities. A must-watch for fans of 80s cult cinema.
• Slash Film: “The Two Movies That Best Capture The Surreal Terror Of The LA Fires. Night of the Comet is a movie that has aged well.
• IMDB User Review: “A forgotten gem from the 80’s. Classic might be a little too strong of a word to describe Night of the Comet, I agree with most other folks here that it is a great low-budget 80’s movie. Catherine Mary Stewart definitely helps to elevate the movie.

Audience Reactions

The shopping montage in the mall is iconic and hilarious.: Viewers love the unique blend of horror, comedy, and 80s nostalgia, making it a fun and memorable experience.

The two sisters, Regina and Samantha, make the movie relatable with their sisterly bond.: Appreciated the strong female leads who are both funny and resourceful in the face of the apocalypse.

Overall Consensus: Night of the Comet is a cult classic that’s cherished for its unique blend of genres, memorable characters, and 80s charm.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kelli Maroney ad-libbed the line about Uzis after the MAC-10 jammed during filming, and the director kept it in the final cut.”
• “To create the desolate, post-apocalyptic look, the filmmakers shot in downtown Los Angeles early on a Sunday morning to minimize traffic and pedestrians.”
• “The film’s title was almost ‘Teenage Mutant Horror Comet Zombies’.”
• “The comet’s effects, turning people into red dust, were inspired by similar effects in 1950s sci-fi films like ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Night of the Comet?

As a cult classic not readily available on major streaming platforms, finding ‘Night of the Comet’ often involves seeking out physical media. Check retailers like Amazon for DVD and Blu-ray releases. These versions may include bonus content, enhancing the viewing experience. Keep an eye on streaming services like Shudder or Tubi, which sometimes feature cult films for limited periods. You can also search for purchase or rental options through platforms like Apple TV or Google Play Movies, although availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Valley Girl (1983): Shares the ‘Valley Girl’ setting and 80s teen culture, providing a lighthearted take on societal norms and romance.
• Dawn of the Dead (1978): Features a group of survivors battling zombies in a post-apocalyptic world, with the iconic shopping mall scene mirrored in Night of the Comet.
• The Quiet Earth (1985): Deals with the aftermath of a cataclysmic event and the psychological effects of being among the last people on Earth.
• Zombieland (2009): A modern, comedic take on the zombie apocalypse, focusing on a group of survivors forming a makeshift family.
• Cherry 2000 (1987): Post-apocalyptic setting, with a quirky 80s vibe.

🛒 Night of the Comet Related Products

• Night of the Comet [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray of the movie with enhanced picture and sound, perfect for collectors.
• Night of the Comet Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the iconic imagery.
• Night of the Comet T-Shirt: A vintage-style T-shirt featuring the movie title and iconic imagery.
• Night of the Comet: Valley Girl Zombie Apocalypse Board Game: A board game where you and your friends play as Valley Girls trying to survive the zombie apocalypse, complete with mini-figures and strategy cards.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Trouble” – performed by Skip Adams
• “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – performed by Cyndi Lauper

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 Amazing Facts About NightOfTheComet

Did you know ‘Night of the Comet’ has some seriously cool behind-the-scenes secrets? This video breaks down 10 amazing facts that will totally change how you see the movie. I was blown away by fact #7!

Night of the Comet – Good Bad Flicks

Ever wondered if ‘Night of the Comet’ is actually a good movie or just a guilty pleasure? GoodBadFlicks breaks down what works and what doesn’t in this classic 80s flick. I definitely agree with their take on the ending!

This “NIGHT OF THE COMET” actress was warned to KEEP THIS A SECRET from everyone by Steve McQueen!

Can you believe one of the stars of ‘Night of the Comet’ was told to keep a huge secret about her experience on set, and Steve McQueen was involved?! This video spills the tea on what went down. I was shocked when I heard it!

✨ Rate