Buried Alive (1990 TV film)

Buried Alive is a 1990 American made-for-television thriller film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tim Matheson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and William Atherton.

The plot centers around Clint Goodman (Matheson), a construction worker who is drugged and buried alive by his wife, Joanna (Leigh), and her lover, Cortland (Atherton), who plot to collect on his life insurance policy. Clint manages to escape his shallow grave and, after a period of recuperation, seeks revenge on the pair.

The film is characterized by its suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of themes such as betrayal, survival, and revenge. It was initially broadcast on USA Network. While not critically acclaimed, Buried Alive has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among fans of thrillers and the early work of director Frank Darabont, who would later go on to direct films like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. The film's success led to a sequel, Buried Alive II, in 1997, although it featured a different cast and plot.