Is The Dead and the Damned Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Dead and the Damned is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 82 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Dead and the Damned Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, The Dead and the Damned emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Western domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A meteor lands in Jamestown California in 1849 during the gold rush. Unlike standard genre fare, The Dead and the Damned attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Rene Perez, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Horror elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Dead and the Damned features a noteworthy lineup led by David A. Lockhart. Supported by the likes of Camille Montgomery and Rick Mora, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of David A. Lockhart, Camille Montgomery, Rick Mora manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2011 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Horror, Western space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Dead and the Damned is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Dead and the Damned follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 82 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Dead and the Damned resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Horror landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 2.9/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Dead and the Damned is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. A meteor lands in Jamestown California in 1849 during the gold rush. It is found by miners who release it's spoors which turn the population into blood thirsty mutants.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Dead and the Damned (2011) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 2.9/10 and strong performance metrics in the Horror, Western categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from David A. Lockhart, Camille Montgomery, Rick Mora or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Dead and the Damned is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2011. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
The Dead and the Damned Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Dead and the Damned Budget
The estimated production budget for The Dead and the Damned is $30,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Dead and the Damned Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Troma NOW🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Dead and the Damned is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 2.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Dead and the Damned stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dead and the Damned movie hit or flop?
The Dead and the Damned is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 2.9/10 and lower collections.
Is The Dead and the Damned worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 2.9/10, The Dead and the Damned may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Dead and the Damned online?
The Dead and the Damned is currently available for streaming on Troma NOW. You can also check for it on platforms like Troma NOW depending on your region.
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View Full FranchiseSynopsis
A meteor lands in Jamestown California in 1849 during the gold rush. It is found by miners who release it's spoors which turn the population into blood thirsty mutants.