40 Years Ago, This Underrated Sci-Fi Horror Inspired Jess Wendon to Make 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

In 1984, Night of the Comet hit theaters. This charming movie combines teen comedy, zombie horror, and apocalyptic science fiction to capture the spirit of the 80s.

Decades later, it remains more than just a nostalgic artifact – it is an optimistic ode to female friendship and freedom that has inspired the creators of future cult projects.

What Is 'Night of the Comet' About?

The Earth is about to pass through the tail of a comet, an event that has not occurred in 65 million years. Residents of Southern California, including 18-year-old Reggie and her 16-year-old sister Sam, are preparing for the spectacle.

However, when the sisters wake up the next morning, they find themselves in a deserted world. The sky is bathed in blood-red light, and the streets are covered in red dust and discarded clothing. They had accidentally escaped death by taking refuge in metal buildings.

Now, they must survive in a post-apocalyptic world where zombie-like humans roam and the other survivors may be more dangerous than the disaster itself.

'Night of the Comet' Inspired Joss Whedon to Make 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Director Thom Eberhardt captured the emerging teen film trend of the 1980s and gave it a radical reimagining. Before filming, he interviewed girls on the street and asked them one question: "What would you do if the world were ending?"

Their answers, full of adventure and optimism and declarations to abandon dating in favor of adventure, formed the basis of the script. Thus, the image of a new heroine was born – not a tomboy warrior, but an ordinary girl who awakens an inner strength.

This feminist theme, combining everyday life with sci-fi and portraying girl friendships as a means of saving the world, later inspired Joss Whedon to create the cult series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

'Night of the Comet' Is a Mix of Genres, from Zombie Horror to Apocalyptic Sci-Fi

Night of the Comet is a teen comedy, but also it's a rebellious action movie about freedom-loving youth. It's a naïve yet tense zombie horror film where danger lurks around every corner and an action thriller about criminals reveling in their impunity.

At its core, however, it is a science fiction work that terrifies not with a cosmic threat, but with human nature. Even in a devastated world, there are people willing to do anything for power and control.

Night of the Comet is a festive table where all related genres coexist peacefully, creating a warm, funny, and terrifying story about finding joy at the end of the world with a faithful sister by your side.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Night of the Comet'?

• Night of the Comet has 79% from critics and 58% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.3/10.

• On Letterboxd, Night of the Comet scored 3.3/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Night of the Comet'?

Night of the Comet is available to steam on Prime Video.