Dead (2020) movie poster

Dead

2020 ·1h 30m · ★ 6.1 (68)

Dane ‘Marbles’ Marbeck can see ghosts, thanks to a homemade drug: his late father’s neurological medication mixed with marijuana. Officer Jayson Tagg, a wannabe super-cop on the trail of a serial killer, ends up murdered. So when Marbles’ mum plans to sell the family farm, and the only way of buying the house off her is taking the money offered by Tagg in exchange for his help, Marbles accepts. The unlikely duo of stoner medium and ghost cop struggle to reconcile their differences while they navigate their way through ghouls, perverts, a mysterious hooded figure, and an unexpected shot at love. It becomes clear the only way Marbles and Tagg will solve the case with their souls intact is to confront their deepest regrets and overcome their prejudices.

Why it matters

An offbeat supernatural thriller blending stoner comedy with ghostly noir, Dead (2020) delivers a quirky spin on the haunted cop trope.

  • Dane ‘Marbles’ Marbeck’s homemade neuro-drug powers a unique take on mediumship, mixing grounded grief with psychedelic haze.
  • The buddy dynamic between a ghost cop and a living stoner offers unexpected heart amid paranormal chaos.
  • Fans of genre mashups and character-driven mysteries will appreciate its blend of supernatural suspense and dark humor.
  • Practical effects and atmospheric rural settings root the film in a tangible world, avoiding overreliance on CGI.

Horror DNA

Gore
0
Slow Burn
17
Psychological
14
Supernatural
40
Creature
0
Disturbing
0
Fun Factor
67
Cerebral
0
Survival
17

Pairs Well With