I watched "Dead & Buried" from 1981, and wow - what a hidden gem.

It's a weird mix of small-town mystery and zombie horror. It reminded me of "The Fog," but it does its own thing.

So you've got this sheriff, Dan Gillis, trying to figure out why people are getting murdered in this quiet seaside town called Potters Bluff. What initially appears to be a straightforward slasher and murder investigation quickly evolves into something more sinister and unique.

The special effects are pretty intense (apparently, this was early Stan Winston's work). There's this scene with a needle and an eye that made me physically recoil, and the opening scene where someone gets burned alive sets you up for what you're in for.

The real standout is Jack Albertson playing this super weird mortician named Dobbs. His performance walks a perfect line between charming and unsettling. It's worth noting this was one of his final roles, and what a way to cap off a career.

Some might find the pacing a bit slow, but I found it effective as someone who appreciates horror films that take their time building dread.

The film has its flaws. Some of the dialogue feels off, and a few plot points could have been better explained. These are minor gripes, anyway.

If you're into horror that takes its time and messes with different genres, give this one a shot. It's not perfect, but it's definitely worth checking out.