Mike (played by Dean Chekvala) is a protagonist in Dead Within.
A survivor who scavenges for supplies and uses rhythmic knocks based on classic rock songs to prove he is not zombie-infected. His controlling behavior and past traumatic decisions ultimately lead to his demise at the hands of his partner. Todd (played by Rick Federman) appears in Dead Within.
A former companion who lived with Mike and Kim. Consumed tainted meat, turned, and was killed by the main couple, establishing the infection's rules and triggering lasting trauma. Erika (played by Sarah McMaster) appears in Dead Within.
Todd's partner and former co-survivor. After eating tainted meat, she turned and was killed by Mike and Kim. Her memory haunts Kim through nightmares and hallucinations. Kim (played by Amy Cale Peterson) appears in Dead Within.
The primary protagonist left guarding the cabin. She endures isolation, psychological torment from hallucinations and Ranger Mark's calls, and ultimately kills Mike out of fear of infection, only to reveal she is the one who has turned.
Dead Within (2014) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Mike
(played by Dean Chekvala) — protagonist
A survivor who scavenges for supplies and uses rhythmic knocks based on classic rock songs to prove he is not zombie-infected. His controlling behavior and past traumatic decisions ultimately lead to...
Todd
(played by Rick Federman) — supporting
A former companion who lived with Mike and Kim. Consumed tainted meat, turned, and was killed by the main couple, establishing the infection's rules and triggering lasting trauma.
Erika
(played by Sarah McMaster) — supporting
Todd's partner and former co-survivor. After eating tainted meat, she turned and was killed by Mike and Kim. Her memory haunts Kim through nightmares and hallucinations.
Kim
(played by Amy Cale Peterson) — supporting
The primary protagonist left guarding the cabin. She endures isolation, psychological torment from hallucinations and Ranger Mark's calls, and ultimately kills Mike out of fear of infection, only to r...
Key Relationships
Kim → Erika
(Social Former Companions)
Kim → Todd
(Social Former Companions)
Mike → Erika
(Social Former Companions)
Mike → Todd
(Social Former Companions)
Todd → Erika
(Romantic Partners)
Mike → Kim
(Romantic Partners)
Story Analysis
A psychological survival thriller exploring how isolation and paranoia fracture a couple's bond in a zombie apocalypse.
Plot Progression
Isolation and Routine
Psychological Torment
Distrust and Desperation
Mutual Destruction
Directed by Ben Wagner
Dead Within (2014) · 3.8/10 · drama, horror, thriller
