The Civil Dead quickly makes it clear that at the film’s core is a strange and unique story that tastefully examines a surreal premise with a dose of the mundane.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 4, 2024

Its meandering narrative is too threadbare to really connect

| Original Score: 2 | Feb 28, 2024

Actor-filmmakers Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas infuse everything with a wry sense of humour that's goofy but has just a hint of edge to it. So while it's a bit meandering, it's also engaging.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 23, 2024

A shambling, mordant mumblecore-style comedy, The Civil Dead deftly balances the understated humour of discomfort...

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 21, 2024

The Civil Dead is a wonderfully funny, heartwarming, and tragic comedy that superbly captures the struggles and loneliness of creatives...

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 16, 2024

It is shruggingly deadpan and throwaway, but with a real satirical point and it is genuinely and unexpectedly bleak.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 15, 2024

Dramatizing (or comedicizing, as the case may be) actual money problems without resorting to histrionics is exceedingly rare in American movies.

| Oct 19, 2023

The comedy banter of the film’s middle stretch gradually gives way to anxiety, aggravation and despair, until we reach one of the darkest endings of any film in recent years.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 17, 2023

Told with an endearing charm and lovable awkwardness, The Civil Dead is an oddball buddy comedy that ponders what it means to be alone as the protagonists wander the streets of Los Angeles together.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 9, 2023

Their organic connection, as well as the fraying edges of friendship explored in the movie, make The Civil Dead a hilarious and emotionally devastating watch.

| Original Score: 7.8/10 | Mar 6, 2023

Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas have made a low-fi, high-concept “comedy” so dry as to be dehydrated. It is funny. You will laugh. Right up until you don’t. Then you will retroactively question what it says about you that you were laughing earlier.

| Original Score: B+ | Feb 24, 2023

While this level of filmmaking would be best enjoyed on a weekend afternoon, the comedy sticks with you. Prepare to be haunted.

| Original Score: 7.5/10 | Feb 21, 2023

At its dead but lively heart, it's an awkward buddy comedy, with real-life friends, collaborators, and co-writers Thomas and Tatum bouncing off each other with a laid-back, laconic yet vulnerable vibe.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 21, 2023

It’s got heart, a good number of laughs, and tells the story of a conflict between two old friends that is… complicated.

| Feb 21, 2023

The Civil Dead takes the bones of a ghost story and spits out a dark indie comedy with a surprisingly sinister twist.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Feb 21, 2023

The movie’s premise is clever; but what really makes it work is that these two use this ghost schtick as a way to examine the ways that friendship can be a hassle.

| Feb 17, 2023

A low-key different kind of buddy comedy, that's oddly affecting.

| Original Score: B- | Feb 16, 2023

Tall premise aside, the film’s generative force is the duo’s meandering chemistry and the silly way they mumble in support of idiotically jagged haircuts and dance-karate kicks.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 15, 2023

A sweet little movie that's surprisingly touching.

| Feb 15, 2023

Clay Tatum’s The Civil Dead provides a refreshing take on the supernatural buddy comedy formula via a contemporary mumblecore lens.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Feb 14, 2023