Dawn of the Damned
Dawn of the Damned

Dawn of the Damned

1965Movie85 minFrench

This excellent feature-length documentary - the story of the imperialist colonization of Africa - is a film about death. Its most shocking sequences derive from the captured French film archives in Algeria containing - unbelievably - masses of French-shot documentary footage of their tortures, massacres and executions of Algerians. The real death of children, passers-by, resistance fighters, one after the other, becomes unbearable. Rather than be blatant propaganda, the film convinces entirely by its visual evidence, constituting an object lesson for revolutionary cinema.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb5.0/10
Director: Bernard L. KowalskiGenres: Horror, Sci-Fi

Plot Summary

A scientist investigating mysterious disappearances in a remote desert town uncovers an alien plot. The aliens, disguised as humans, are abducting people to use their bodies as hosts for their own kind. The scientist must race against time to expose the alien invasion and prevent the town from being completely taken over.

Critical Reception

Dawn of the Damned is a lesser-known entry in the 1960s sci-fi horror genre, often criticized for its low budget and uninspired direction. However, some viewers appreciate its B-movie charm and surprisingly effective moments of suspense. Its limited release and niche appeal mean it did not garner significant critical attention upon its debut, and its reputation remains that of a cult curiosity rather than a landmark film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Dated special effects and a predictable plot are common criticisms.
  • Some find enjoyment in its campy B-movie aesthetic and eerie atmosphere.
  • The film struggles with pacing and character development.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's obscurity. Those who have seen it often cite it as a typical, albeit unexceptional, low-budget science fiction film from the era.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in black and white and often cited as an example of the B-movie science fiction productions of the mid-1960s, focusing on alien invasion themes common in the era.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review