The Dead Don’t Die (2019) is a satirical zombie comedy film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. It features an ensemble cast, including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, and Selena Gomez. The film is a deadpan take on the zombie genre, blending Jarmusch’s signature offbeat humor and social commentary with the classic tropes of the undead rising from their graves.

Set in the small, sleepy town of Centerville, the film opens with strange occurrences that signal something is wrong. The Earth’s rotation has been affected by polar fracking, which causes daylight and night cycles to become unpredictable, and soon, the dead begin rising from their graves. The local police force, consisting of Chief Cliff Robertson (Bill Murray), Officer Ronnie Peterson (Adam Driver), and Officer Mindy Morrison (Chloë Sevigny), must figure out how to deal with the growing number of zombies, all while navigating the bizarre happenings in their town.

One of the defining features of The Dead Don’t Die is its dry, deadpan humor. Jarmusch’s style is known for its slow pacing, minimalist dialogue, and quirky characters, and this film is no exception. The characters often react to the increasingly dire zombie situation with a sense of detachment, delivering witty, offhand remarks instead of showing typical fear or panic. This comedic tone sets it apart from most zombie films, which tend to focus on horror and survival. Adam Driver’s character repeatedly says, “This is not going to end well,” in a self-aware, meta-commentary on the film’s trajectory, emphasizing the film’s tongue-in-cheek approach.

The film also features Jarmusch’s subtle social commentary, using the zombie apocalypse as a metaphor for modern society’s obsessions and habits. The zombies in The Dead Don’t Die are drawn to the things they loved in life, with one group of undead muttering “Wi-Fi” and “Bluetooth” as they shuffle through the town, while others are fixated on material possessions. This critique of consumerism and technology addiction mirrors themes seen in George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead (1978), though Jarmusch delivers it with a more comedic and less overtly political touch.

The film’s cast adds significantly to its charm, with each actor playing into their roles with a mix of absurdity and stoic seriousness. Bill Murray’s dry delivery, Adam Driver’s deadpan earnestness, and Tilda Swinton’s eccentricity as a sword-wielding mortician all contribute to the film’s unique tone. Swinton’s character, in particular, adds an extra layer of surrealism, as she appears almost alien in her mannerisms and eventually leaves the story in an unexpected, bizarre twist.

However, The Dead Don’t Die is not for everyone. The film’s slow pace, minimal action, and unconventional humor may alienate viewers expecting a more traditional zombie movie. It also leans heavily on its meta-humor and self-referential moments, which can be polarizing. Some audiences might find its lack of urgency or deeper plot development frustrating, while others may appreciate its laid-back, indie film approach.

In conclusion, The Dead Don’t Die is a unique addition to the zombie genre, offering a dry, deadpan comedy that is as much a satire of modern culture as it is a zombie movie. With its quirky characters, meta-commentary, and distinct Jim Jarmusch style, it’s a film that will likely appeal to fans of the director’s previous work and those who enjoy unconventional, genre-blending films. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, its witty humor and absurd take on the apocalypse make it a memorable, if offbeat, entry in the world of zombie cinema.