45 Years Later, The Nastiest Zombie Knock-Off Just Got A Huge Upgrade
Briefly

Directed by Bruno Mattei, Hell of the Living Dead is an Italian horror film released in 1980, often considered one of the nastiest entries in the genre during the video nasty era. It was conceived as a lighter take on the classic Dawn of the Dead yet fell short, even earning criticism from its own scriptwriter. The film's plot involves a chemical leak that turns research lab employees into zombies, leading to a rescue mission by an Interpol team, which unwittingly plunges into chaos. Despite its flaws, it gained notoriety for its excessive gore and exploitative elements.
Hell of the Living Dead distills the 1980 horror zeitgeist, a gorefest serving as a lighter alternative to the revered Dawn of the Dead, albeit characterized by a shoddy production process.
Director Bruno Mattei's film capitalizes on the cultural moment while utilizing Goblin's iconic music, but its hastily assembled narrative feeds into an ultimately disappointing viewing experience.
Read at Inverse
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