Where was The Dead Don't Die filmed?
2019
City Locations
Fleischmanns, Margaretville, Ancram, NY (USA)
Location Types
Storefront, Cafe, Church, Riverside
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Cabin, Craftsman, Building Dated/Retro, Rustic, Retreat
About The Dead Don't Die
The Dead Don't Die is a quirky and unique cinematic piece that graced our screens in 2019 under the masterful direction of the renowned Jim Jarmusch. This American film uniquely bends the genre, being an absurdist zombie comedy.
The film features an all-star ensemble cast. Among veteran performers like Steve Buscemi, Tilda Swinton, and Danny Glover, distinguished actors and actresses such as Chloë Sevigny, Adam Driver, and Bill Murray are included. Rosie Perez, Iggy Pop, Caleb Landry Jones, Carol Kane, Austin Butler, and pop sensation Selena Gomez are among the performers.
The plot pulls viewers into the struggle for survival of a small village in the face of an unexpected zombie apocalypse. The story starts with police officers (Bill Murray and Adam Driver) investigating allegations of missing animals. Their confrontation with the undead, who awaken as night falls, swiftly escalates the situation. Officers and residents band together to battle the terrifying disease as it spreads.
On May 14, 2019, the prestigious Cannes Film Festival opened with the global premiere of The Dead Don't Die. On June 14, 2019, it premiered in theaters across North America. Some critics felt the story lacked substance, while others lauded the performances and innovative genre-bending technique.
Although The Dead Don't Die was neither nominated nor won any significant prizes, its unique combination of comedy, horror, and societal criticism guarantees that the movie will go down in cinematic history as a classic.
The Dead Don't Die Locations
Viewers embark on an extraordinary trip through a zombie apocalypse in The Dead Don't Die. Production on the film took advantage of the quiet beauty of northern New York State, specifically the towns of Ancram, Elizaville, Fleischmanns, and Margaretville, to set a disturbing story. The settings for most sequences enhanced the ambient tension and visual narrative.
The West Taghkanic Diner, located at 1016 NY-82, Ancram, is famous since it hosts a crucial scene where police officers investigate unexplained happenings that indicate a zombie apocalypse. Situated in the middle of Ancram, this iconic diner provides a taste of Americana and is pivotal to the plot.
The Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church in Fleischmanns at 985 Old Route 28 underwent a spooky makeover to become a graveyard where the protagonists, Cliff Robertson and Ronald Peterson, faced off with the living dead, heightening the tension and terror.
The film merges fact and fiction, unfolding in several real-life settings, including the Delaware Court Motel at 1141 Main St and a school in Margaretville that the filmmakers transformed into a juvenile detention center.
A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile for film fans and cinematic tourism enthusiasts. Each site, from the nostalgic West Taghkanic Diner to the serene yet spooky Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church cemetery, offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of The Dead Don't Die. Beyond their cinematic significance, these locations are nestled in regions rich with natural beauty and local charm, visiting not just a pilgrimage for movie buffs but also an exploration of lesser-known corners of New York State.
Two zombies visit the diner scene in The Dead Don't Die
West Taghkanic Diner, 1016 NY-82, Ancram, NY 12502, USA
The scene opens with a creepy silence as two zombie characters (Iggy Pop and Sara Driver) rise from the dead and head for the diner. The zombie couple first prey on the naive Fern (Eszter Balint) and Lily (Rosal Colon), who momentarily get enticed by the coffee on the counter.
Set at 1016 NY-82 in Ancram, New York, the West Taghkanic Diner exuded the ideal vintage vibe for this crucial setting. This diner has been serving the community since 1953 and is famous for its house-smoked meats and locally produced products; it provides a taste of Americana that starkly contrasts the film's horror and dark humor. Movie buffs may still admire the diner's façade and take a piece of cinematic history with them even though it's closed.
Visitors can take the Taconic State Parkway north to Ancram from New York City, where they can leave on NY-82 and arrive at the renowned diner, which will be a quiet witness to the epic zombie mayhem.
Cliff and Ronnie investigate the cemetery scene in The Dead Don't Die
Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church, 985 Old Rte 28, Fleischmanns, NY 12430, USA
Cliff (Bill Murray) and Ronnie (Adam Driver) delve into the mysteries of the local cemetery, only to discover a pair of freshly unearthed graves. From the seclusion of the nearby woods, Hermit Bob (Tom Waits) observes the scene, deducing that they are amidst a zombie apocalypse.
In one of the final scenes, Zelda (Tilda Swinton) navigates to the graveyard in Ronnie's compact Smart car, deftly dodging zombies. The undead started to scatter from the vicinity of the patrol vehicle upon the unexpected arrival of a UFO.
The Cemetery at the Cornerstone Bible Baptist Church in Fleischmanns, New York, provided the backdrop for this scene. With its tranquil yet somber atmosphere, the cemetery perfectly encapsulates the film’s tone, juxtaposing the serene beauty of the location with the unsettling unfolding events. The church is an independent Baptist establishment, and it added to the authenticity of the setting, though it is only partially visible in the film.
Visitors must approach respectfully, considering the solemn nature of a cemetery and the active church community nearby. To reach this location, travelers can navigate towards Fleischmanns, a village nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Traveling from New York, the destination in approximately two and a half hours by taking the I-87 N and NY-28 W routes. Regrettably, there are no public transportation options available.
Zoe and her friends stay at the motel scene in The Dead Don't Die
Delaware Court Motel, 1141 Main St, Fleischmanns, NY 12430, USA
Zoe (Selena Gomez) and her companions Jack (Austin Butler) and Zack (Luka Sabbat) settle into Danny's (Larry Fessenden) motel. They meet a stark warning upon their arrival; Officers Cliff (Bill Murray) and Ronnie (Adam Driver) advise them to keep their doors locked and avoid venturing out after dark, hinting at the unsettling events about unfolding.
The Delaware Court Motel in the tranquil town of Fleischmanns provided the setting for this memorable scene. The motel, known for its quiet ambiance, offers a glimpse into the serene yet subtly ominous setting that defines many of the film's locations. While the motel and the surrounding town may appear slightly different from their on-screen portrayal, the essence of the location and its atmospheric charm remain intact, inviting fans to experience a piece of the film's unique world.
For those interested in visiting the Delaware Court Motel and immersing themselves in the ambiance of Fleischmanns, the town is accessible via a scenic drive through the Catskill Mountains region of New York. By road, visitors can explore the serene landscapes. The cemetery is just a 5-minute drive away using Old Route 28 and Main Street. Moreover, if you're coming from Ancram, you can reach it in an hour by taking NY-28 West.
The funeral home and police station scene in The Dead Don't Die
Fleischmanns, New York, USA
Zelda (Tilda Swinton), wielding her katana with skill and precision, dispatches two reanimated corpses within the confines of the funeral home. Following this display of prowess, she makes her way to the police station.
The cops (Bill Murray, Adam Driver, and Chloë Sevigny) assign Zelda the duty of answering the phones in the middle of the mayhem caused by the nearing end of the world. They also promise to meet at the cemetery shortly after setting out on patrol.
In Middletown, Delaware County, is the charming community of Fleischmanns, which serves as the setting for these crucial moments and other important locations such as the motel, police station, and several street views. Fans of the movie can wander the village streets, even if the particular places where Fleischmanns was filmed are not specified.
Fleischmanns boasts many attractions beyond its cinematic fame, nestled adjacent to the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center and the expansive New York State Forest Preserve Land. The village, situated at the meeting point of Vly Creek, Emory Brook, and the Bushkill, offers visitors diverse outdoor activities.
Reaching the destination from New York is feasible exclusively by car; hence, renting a vehicle is advisable. The journey from the city center takes approximately two and a half hours, following the I-87 N and NY-28 W route.
Zombie at the Bob's Gas and Stuff scene in The Dead Don't Die
Brookside Campgrounds, 4952 NY-32, Catskill, NY 12414, USA
We see zombies going to different places and engaging in things that once meant something to them. A horrifying scene depicts a gathering of zombie youngsters at Bobby's (Caleb Landry Jones) petrol station, grabbing sweets as adults prowl the streets, clinging to things that once brought them happiness.
The haunting scene came to life at the Brookside Campgrounds in Catskill, New York, at 4952 Route 32. Even if the exact gas station isn't there, the campgrounds provide a chance to see the breathtaking scenery that surrounds these scenes in the movies.
Brookside Campground, nestled on the edge of the Catskill Mountains in New York State, is surrounded by peace. To the west, you can see breathtaking mountain views, while to the east, you can hear the soothing sounds of trout brooks. It is just outside of Catskill Park.
Taking NY-28 S, NY-214 N, and NY-23A E from Fleischmanns, NY will get you to your destination in an hour. The trip takes around two hours if you leave from New York City and take the I-87 North route.
Conclusion
The Dead Don't Die exemplifies Jim Jarmusch's signature style of filmmaking, which has fascinated viewers for more than 30 years. Even if it doesn't quite reach Jarmusch's peak, this picture exemplifies his distinctive take on the cliché zombie film by combining sardonic wit with an introspective examination of society's disintegration.
Notable performances abound in The Dead Don't Die, with veteran actors like Adam Driver and Bill Murray adding complexity and dimension to their parts. The fact that they can pull off Jarmusch's characteristic stilted yet deep dialogue gives depth to a story that could have stayed flat.
The visually gorgeous yet understated backdrop that compliments the story's dismal outlook is provided by filming locales in Fleischmanns, Ancram, Elizaville, and Margaretville. The film's use of these sleepy towns upstate lends an air of realism and realism despite its magical aspects.
The Dead Don't Die contributes to cinema by providing a thought-provoking, albeit slightly sardonic, spin on the zombie subgenre, thus questioning the status quo. It differs from other zombie films due to its punk rock ethos, captured in slow motion.
In addition, a trip to the areas where the film was shot could provide a fresh perspective on the backdrop of this offbeat zombie apocalypse, combining a pilgrimage to the movies with an exploration of the beautiful but lesser-known regions of New York State.