Politics vs Science
One of the first topics that jumps out in this comparison is the intellectual conflict between politics and science. In Night of the Living Dead (1968), scientists and military leaders are clearly not on the same page, with scientists believing a satellite that was detonated over earth created massive radiation that is causing the dead to resurrect, while a military leader counters that the theory should not be believed until fully proved. This dispute is captured on the news for all to see. The conflict remains unsettled for the duration of the film. The Coronavirus initially evoked similar disputes between politicians and scientists, leading to confusion and conspiracy among the general population. Thankfully, society entrusted its doctors with creating a vaccine, and the healing process began, slowly but surely.
"Fear of the Other"
Night of the Living Dead depicts vain ideological differences coming between humanity and its survival, a cold reflection of today's polarized political climate. Instead of working together to improve their odds, the characters bicker and separate themselves. The film seems to contend that people reveal their true colors under the bleakest circumstances. The outbreak of COVID-19 was difficult for everyone to process, but some used it as an excuse to give into hatred and othering. Night of the Living Dead and the COVID-19 pandemic present the same twisted concept: When the world is falling apart, there is no need to hide one's worst tendencies anymore. In other words, some will use a time when humanity needs to band together as an excuse to tear it apart.
Hopelessness and Isolation
One undeniable feature of Night of the Living Dead is its suffocating hopelessness. The bereaved are defeated by denial and shell shock, the survivors board themselves in while towns are overrun by the dead, and the news confirms that the entire country is afflicted by the dreadful situation. The film does not depict an end to the apocalypse, or even any real hope of stopping it. If the Coronavirus revealed anything, it's that humanity is capable of some incredible triumphs. Though reality mirrored apocalypse films like Night of the Living Dead for a short time, eventually people went outside and saw each other again, and overcame one of the darkest springs of modern day. Night of the Living Dead is right about many aspects of humanity, but thankfully it is wrong about its willpower to eventually overcome such a devastating circumstance.