Barbara and her brother Johnny visit a rural cemetery to place a wreath on their mother's grave when they are suddenly attacked by a strange, aggressive man. Johnny is killed, and Barbara flees, eventually finding refuge in a nearby farmhouse. Soon, she discovers that the house is under siege by an increasing number of reanimated corpses. She meets Ben, a resourceful man who takes charge, barricading the doors and windows to keep the undead out. The tension escalates as more survivors, including the abrasive Harry Cooper and his family, emerge from the basement, leading to intense disagreements on the best course of action for survival.

The group inside the farmhouse faces mounting pressure from the relentless zombie attacks and their internal conflicts. Limited resources, differing opinions, and rising tempers create a volatile environment, leading to desperate decisions and unintended consequences. The survivors grapple with fear and distrust, attempting to devise a plan to outlast the night and find a way to safety. As the situation grows dire and the undead force their way closer, the true danger becomes not only the monstrous threat outside but also the fragile human relationships within.