Jesús Franco’s The Diabolical Dr. Z (1966) is a heady, atmospheric venture that stands out among the director’s works as one of his most striking films. With its singularly captivating female antagonist and a plot thick with gothic flair, Dr. Z was groundbreaking in several ways. The film presents a unique departure from traditional horror tropes, challenging the norms with a woman leading the charge into villainy, a rarity for its time and an element that adds to its enduring fascination.

The plot follows Irma Zimmer, daughter of a disgraced scientist, Dr. Zimmer (Antonio Jiménez Escribano – uncredited), who has invented a device capable of controlling minds. Following her father’s untimely death, Irma takes up his work and enacts her revenge on those who ruined him. Portrayed by the icy, magnetic Mabel Karr, Irma becomes Dr. Z, a vengeful and morally ambiguous character who is as cunning as she is ruthless. Her transformation into the sinister Dr. Z adds a refreshing dimension to the horror genre, as Franco explores themes of power, vengeance, and the blurred lines between science and madness.

The character-driven nature of The Diabolical Dr. Z makes it one of Franco’s more narratively cohesive works, which, coupled with the ambitious set designs and atmospheric cinematography, gives it a distinctly gothic, almost operatic quality. Franco expertly builds tension with long, lingering shots and artful close-ups, capturing Irma’s descent into moral ambiguity and her ruthless determination with a subtle yet chilling edge.

While Franco’s later works are often associated with the exploitation genre, Dr. Z is an example of his capability to craft horror with genuine suspense and thematic weight. It may not have the polish of higher-budget 1960s horror productions, yet it excels in showcasing Franco’s raw creativity and his talent for darkly inventive storytelling. This is Franco at his most restrained and artistically daring, proving his knack for complex, morally ambiguous characters.

The Diabolical Dr. Z is a bold entry in 1960s horror cinema, especially with its portrayal of a woman steering the horror from the front lines. Franco’s deliberate pacing and commitment to his singular vision make this film a high point in his career and a worthy watch for those who appreciate horror that challenges conventions while delivering psychological thrills.

• Saul Muerte (no relation to Miss Muerte lol!)