Directed by Fred Olen Ray, The Alien Dead is an undiscovered masterpiece that epitomizes the finest aspects of Southern camp terror, seamlessly intertwining science fiction and horror with the true essence of low-budget filmmaking. Whether it be the setting or capture, the film stays true to itself, being shot in Central Florida and boasting an astounding production budget of $12,000. The charm the film possesses over avid fans of the genre is staggering, and is on display with the gruesome tale of alien and zombie mayhem only suffering from low-budget charm.
Trailer Experience
With synth music alongside a fog engulfing a barren swamp, the trailer captures the essence of horror in the 80s. Mix in some eerie radio narrations covering mysterious incidents like inexplicable disappearances, the result creates pure magic. The consequences of sheer exploitation horror are cultivated in the form of slain citizens, world devouring mutants, and chaotic gunfire. Although filled with cliches and campy nature, it echoes the charmingly dirty essence cult horror admirers love.
Main Cast & Characters: Buster Crabbe as Sheriff Kowalski
Famed for his contributions to Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, Crabbe is able to add a distinguished feel with old-school flair to the character of a sheriff who’s looking into the sinister missing people’s case in the town.
Ray Roberts as Tom Corman
An aggressive local journalist who smells something more intriguing than disappearances—his goal is to expose the secret underneath the swamp.
Linda Lewis as Shawn Michaels
A passionate citizen and fierce heroine who becomes part of the spine-chilling puzzle, featuring her unyielding determination to handle the evil menace.
Storytelling Synopsis:
In a calm Southern town next to the swamp, the calm is disturbed when a strange meteorite collides with a houseboat. But this is not a simple celestial phenomenon; the object that descends from the heavens brings destruction and blasphemous resurrection. The dismounted houseboat’s residents are no more humane. They have now been transformed into grotesque zombies devoid of intellect and singularly fixated on one thing: flesh.
Initially, these alien-contaminated zombies devour the alligators populating the swamp. But as their desire intensifies, so does their violence and soon townsfolk become their targets. One after another, residents slowly start disappearing, Causing a stir, Chaos begins to spread, and numerous news begin multiply.
Sheriff Kowalski’s had his share of mayhem, but an outbreak like this one is a first. Together with tenacious reporter Tom Corman and sharp-eyed Shawn Michaels, the three work together to uncover the truth behind an alien invasion—and the gruesome mutations that came with it. As the town descends further into chaos and the undead run rampant, the question that remains is: will anyone live to see the dawn?
The swamps and monster movies blend perfectly in the film which is a true tribute to independent horror movies. DIY special effects and campy vibes come to life in The Alien Dead. Rough and eccentric, the film posses all the qualities that recommend it as a classic for low budget horror fans.