The Crazies (1973 film)

The Crazies is a 1973 American science fiction horror film written and directed by George A. Romero. Set in a small rural Pennsylvania town, the film depicts the chaos and breakdown of societal order after a military biological weapon, code-named "Trixie," contaminates the local water supply.

The Trixie virus induces madness and violent behavior in the infected population. As the infection spreads, the military quarantines the town and attempts to contain the outbreak. However, their efforts are hampered by the rapidly escalating violence among the infected, the increasing paranoia and desperation of the uninfected residents, and the heavy-handed, often brutal, tactics employed by the military itself.

The film follows the experiences of several individuals as they try to survive the escalating crisis. These include David, the town's fire chief, his pregnant wife Judy, and their friend Clank, a volunteer firefighter. They navigate a landscape of increasing danger, facing both the infected townspeople and the often-indiscriminate actions of the military.

The Crazies is notable for its depiction of the fragility of social order under extreme circumstances, its critique of government and military response to public health crises, and its exploration of the psychological impact of widespread fear and paranoia. The film is considered a precursor to Romero's later zombie films, particularly in its portrayal of societal collapse and the breakdown of human behavior under duress.

A remake of The Crazies was released in 2010.