Michael Reeves’ second feature film, The Sorcerers, ventures into the realms of horror and science fiction with a concept that is both intriguing and unsettling. Starring the legendary Boris Karloff and Catherine Lacey as an elderly couple, the Monserrats, the film delves into their dark quest to recapture the vitality of youth through occult science. Lacey’s portrayal of Estelle Monserrat is particularly striking, balancing vulnerability and cruelty as her lust for power spirals out of control. Meanwhile, Karloff exudes gravitas, lending dignity to Professor Monserrat’s conflicting morality as the experiment spirals into chaos. The duo’s performances ground the film, giving emotional weight to their descent into obsession.

Ian Ogilvy delivers a strong performance as Mike, their unwitting pawn and the victim of their telepathic control. Through him, the Monserrats experience a vicarious thrill that highlights the darker sides of humanity—greed, lust, and violence. The concept of transferring one’s consciousness into another’s body was fresh for its time and is executed effectively, especially in scenes where Mike’s inner conflict begins to reflect the fractured dynamics of his controllers. However, the story doesn’t always capitalise on its premise, leaving some potential for deeper exploration untapped.

Though The Sorcerers brims with ideas about the morality of power and the price of human desire, its execution feels uneven. The low budget occasionally hampers the film’s ability to fully realise its ambitious vision, and while Reeves shows flashes of brilliance in his direction, some sequences drag, detracting from the overall tension. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s climax is a gripping resolution, showcasing Reeves’ knack for atmospheric storytelling.

What stands out most about The Sorcerers is its ability to tap into the societal anxieties of the 1960s—the desire for youth, rebellion against aging, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation. It may not reach the heights of Reeves’ later masterpiece, Witchfinder General, but The Sorcerers still serves as an interesting stepping stone in his tragically short career. It’s a flawed but fascinating film, buoyed by Karloff and Lacey’s stellar performances, which make it a worthwhile watch for fans of 1960s horror and sci-fi cinema.

• Saul Muerte