The Dead

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2010

12%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Slow, forgettable zombie movie set in Africa—graphic violence meets low-budget tedium.

5.7/10

74%

→

The Dead

movie

R, 2010

12%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Slow, forgettable zombie movie set in Africa—graphic violence meets low-budget tedium.

5.7

74%

Jump to

Also rated on

5.7/10

74%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: this is a forgettable low-budget zombie film that even horror fans mostly disliked. The 74% critic score is misleading—audiences gave it 45% and IMDb users rated it 5.7/10. It's slow, repetitive, and brings nothing new to the zombie genre beyond an African setting.

The violence is graphic and constant, making it inappropriate for anyone under 17. But honestly, even if you're old enough, there are dozens of better zombie films to watch. This one is available free on Tubi, which tells you something about its cultural staying power.

If you're looking for quality horror or zombie content, skip this entirely. If you're a genre completist who needs to see every zombie film ever made, go ahead—but keep expectations low.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 17+ who are already fans of slow-burn horror and zombie films. Even then, the low audience scores suggest most viewers found it boring. Definitely not for teens or kids—the violence is graphic and there's zero redeeming content for younger viewers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Relentless zombie violence, gore, and survival horror throughout. No positive modeling of cooperation or kindness—just brutal survival across a hostile landscape. The tone is bleak and unrelenting, offering nothing emotionally healthy for younger viewers.

Imaginative

Low-budget zombie film that manages some atmospheric African landscape shots, but the premise is utterly generic: plane crash survivor fights zombies. No creative twists, no world-building, no invitation to explore ideas. It's a paint-by-numbers survival horror that brings nothing new to the zombie genre.

Safe

Graphic zombie violence, gore, and visceral death scenes throughout. Common Sense Media rates it 17+. This is absolutely not safe for kids—constant threat, blood, body horror, and disturbing imagery. The entire runtime is violence and peril.

Enriching

Minimal takeaways beyond basic survival instinct. No character depth, no meaningful themes about humanity or resilience. The African setting could have offered cultural insight but it's just backdrop for zombie carnage. Might spark interest in survival tactics, but that's a stretch. Entertainment value is also questionable—74% critic score but only 45% audience score and 5.7 on IMDb suggests even horror fans found it dull.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If you're a completist zombie genre fan, it uses African landscapes differently than most Western zombie films
Some critics appreciated the atmospheric cinematography and slower pacing as a throwback to classic zombie films
Available on free streaming (Tubi) if you want disposable horror background noise

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic zombie violence, gore, and disturbing imagery throughout—absolutely not for kids or teens
Extremely slow pacing that bored most audiences (45% audience score despite 74% critics)
Minimal plot or character development—it's just walking and zombie encounters for 100+ minutes
The 17+ rating is accurate and necessary

Conversation Starters

"This isn't one for family movie night—strictly adult horror territory"
"Why do you think critics liked this more than regular audiences did?"
"What makes a zombie movie actually scary versus just gross?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

The Dead – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise