The Shuttered Room (1967): A Decent Attempt That Falters in Execution

29 Friday Nov 2024

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The Shuttered Room, based on a story attributed to H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth, offers an atmospheric dive into the macabre, set against the backdrop of a crumbling New England mill town. Directed by David Greene, the film’s most notable strength lies in its brooding atmosphere and unsettling locale, which captures the decayed charm of its rural setting. Yet, while the tone and setting intrigue, the narrative struggles to rise above mediocrity, leaving audiences with an experience more evocative than substantive.

Central to the film is the electrifying performance of Oliver Reed as the menacing Ethan. Reed commands the screen with an unpredictable energy, adding a palpable edge of danger that keeps the audience engaged. His interactions with Gig Young, playing the stalwart husband Mike, and Carol Lynley as the haunted Susannah, highlight the clash between Reed’s raw intensity and the more subdued performances of his co-stars. Lynley brings an understated fragility to Susannah, effectively conveying her character’s torment and vulnerability, though her role is often overshadowed by Reed’s larger-than-life presence.

The film’s atmospheric strength is undeniable. Cinematographer Kenneth Hodges crafts a visually arresting aesthetic, juxtaposing the rustic beauty of the mill with its sinister underpinnings. The eerie sound design and haunting score further amplify the sense of unease. However, The Shuttered Room falters when it comes to its central plot. The narrative’s slow pacing and predictable developments prevent it from fully delivering on the psychological horror and suspense it hints at, leaving viewers yearning for a sharper, more cohesive story.

Ultimately, The Shuttered Room stands as a fascinating but flawed entry in 1960s horror. While it showcases an engaging Oliver Reed and an immersive atmosphere, the film’s inability to break free from its languid storytelling prevents it from achieving the impact it so clearly aspires to. For fans of moody, vintage thrillers, this is worth a watch—but don’t expect it to haunt your thoughts.

  • Saul Muerte

The Sorcerers: Karloff and Lacey Shine in a Flawed Exploration of Desire and Control

28 Thursday Nov 2024

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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

Your Monster – A Tale of Monsters Within and Without

24 Sunday Nov 2024

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Melissa Barrera’s undeniable star power is the cornerstone of Your Monster, a feature-length adaptation of Caroline Lindy’s acclaimed short film. For fans of Barrera (Scream, In the Heights), her magnetic screen presence alone may be reason enough to watch, as she brings depth and relatability to a tale rooted in personal struggle and societal neglect. As Lindy’s script expands from its original short-film premise, it wrestles with maintaining focus, resulting in uneven pacing, but Barrera keeps the emotional center intact, inviting viewers into the stormy psyche of her character.

Your Monster reimagines the archetypal Beauty and the Beast tale, twisting its romantic elements into a metaphor for mental health—a beast that both protects and consumes its host. For this reviewer, the premise evokes nostalgia for the 1980s TV series starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, though Lindy’s darker approach is very much a product of modern anxieties. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of neglected mental health, illustrating how inner demons, if left unaddressed, can fester into something monstrous. However, the film’s genre-blending between psychological drama and fantastical horror doesn’t always land, leaving the metaphor sometimes muddled. Still, with Barrera’s compelling performance and moments of heartfelt reflection, Your Monster offers a thoughtful, if flawed, glimpse into the monsters we create—and the possibility of taming them.

Visually, the film delivers an atmospheric experience that balances between eerie intimacy and fantastical surrealism. The titular monster’s design—a blend of shadow and human-like features—is both unnerving and strangely sympathetic, embodying the duality of its role in the protagonist’s life. Caroline Lindy’s direction demonstrates a strong grasp of mood and symbolism, though some of the film’s extended sequences veer into indulgence, stretching its central conceit thin.

The Prognosis:

Despite its flaws, Your Monster is a bold, heartfelt exploration of inner turmoil and resilience, buoyed by Barrera’s standout performance and a narrative that dares to wade into murky emotional depths. It’s imperfect but worth a watch for those seeking a horror story with a poignant emotional core.

  • Saul Muerte

Your Monster will be screening in Australian cinemas nationwide from 28th Nov.

Night of the Big Heat (1967): A B-Horror That Fails to Sizzle

23 Saturday Nov 2024

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With the dynamic pairing of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing at its core, Night of the Big Heat seems poised for greatness, especially for fans of mid-century British horror. Directed by Terence Fisher, a Hammer Films mainstay, the movie adapts John Lymington’s novel about an unexplained heatwave plaguing a small island off the British coast. From the outset, the setup brims with potential: the mysterious weather anomaly and its connection to extraterrestrial forces create an intriguing framework. However, despite the gravitas brought by Lee and Cushing, the film fails to rise above its status as a modestly entertaining B-movie.

The charm lies primarily in its retro appeal, with limited special effects and a tone that leans into the quirks of low-budget 1960s sci-fi horror. Christopher Lee’s authoritative portrayal of scientist Godfrey Hanson adds depth, even when the plot veers into absurdity, while Peter Cushing delivers his signature polish, albeit in a more understated role than usual. However, the movie is let down by a slow pace and underwhelming tension, as well as budget constraints that reduce the alien threat to little more than glowing orbs. The production’s ambition to create atmospheric horror feels stifled by its resources, though the oppressive heat and rural isolation add some unease.

Ultimately, Night of the Big Heat offers mild entertainment but fails to distinguish itself in the pantheon of 1960s genre cinema. For devoted fans of Lee, Cushing, or nostalgic B-horror, it holds some charm, but for broader audiences, it’s more of a lukewarm experience that may not burn bright but flickers enough for the curious viewer.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes: Episode 3 (Jeremy) Review

22 Friday Nov 2024

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Shudder Original Series
Series Premiere Date: November 22, 2024

In “Jeremy,” The Creep Tapes continues its deep dive into unsettling territory with a narrative that centers on lust, shame, and deceit. The titular character Jeremy is a burgeoning YouTuber who hosts a show titled Gotcha!, dedicated to exposing controversial figures. His latest subject, a self-proclaimed priest, leads him directly into the orbit of Josef, the infamous serial killer from the series. What begins as a seemingly bold exposé unravels into a chilling game, with Jeremy’s curiosity and hubris placing him squarely in Josef’s sights.

Mark Duplass returns as Josef, delivering a character performance steeped in manipulative charm and sinister undertones. While it’s always intriguing to see Duplass breathe life into this calculating villain, the narrative risks becoming repetitive. Josef’s tactics, while terrifying, are increasingly predictable, stripping some of the tension that earlier episodes had so masterfully constructed. Jeremy’s arc, though compelling in concept, doesn’t quite break the mold, relying on familiar tropes of an unsuspecting victim lured by a dangerous predator.

Where the episode shines is in its exploration of themes. Lust and shame are woven into the fabric of Jeremy’s interactions with Josef, underscored by a theological backdrop that highlights the dangers of blind faith and deception. Unfortunately, these elements are undermined by uneven pacing and a lack of innovation in the series’ now-established formula.

At its halfway point, The Creep Tapes risks stagnation unless it takes bold narrative leaps to freshen Josef’s story. While “Jeremy” is a serviceable entry with moments of dread and intrigue, it doesn’t quite match the impact of earlier episodes. If the series can shift gears and surprise viewers, there’s hope it will regain its momentum.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes Series are currently streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

Rita (2024) – A Missed Opportunity in Dark Fantasy Storytelling

22 Friday Nov 2024

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Jayro Bustamante’s Rita is a visually ambitious yet emotionally shallow re-imagination of the horrifying 2017 Guatemala orphanage fire. While its foundation—a melding of real-world tragedy with a dark fantasy lens—seems ripe for compelling storytelling, Rita stumbles in its execution, failing to deliver on its potential. The film presents a 13-year-old girl’s harrowing escape from an abusive father, only to find herself in a dystopian state-run institution. Here, fantastical beings and super-powered girls take center stage, attempting to rebel against the malevolent forces controlling their world.

The film’s premise is undeniably intriguing, and Bustamante’s attempt to incorporate fantasy elements, like Rita joining groups called Angels, Wolves, and Rainbows, is conceptually interesting. However, the narrative falters under the weight of sluggish pacing and dialogue-heavy sequences that neither propel the plot nor deepen the characters. Giuliana Santa Cruz gives a commendable performance as Rita, but even her earnest portrayal cannot breathe life into a script that feels meandering and disjointed. While one might hope for the emotional resonance and symbolic depth of a film like Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, Rita instead comes across as lacklustre and uninspired.

The film’s biggest misstep lies in its failure to honour the gravity of its source material. The 2017 tragedy is a stark and deeply troubling piece of recent history, yet Rita struggles to balance its fantastical re-imagining with the weight of the real events. The result is a narrative that feels hollow and disconnected from the emotional core it seeks to explore.

The Prognosis:

Despite its commendable ambition and some striking visual moments, Rita ultimately lacks the substance and cohesion to leave a lasting impact. It’s a disappointing venture that falls far short of its promising premise.

  • Saul Muerte

Rita is streaming on Shudder from Fri 22nd November

Sleepy Hollow: Tim Burton’s Gothic Love Letter to Horror’s Golden Era

17 Sunday Nov 2024

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Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is a gothic horror masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the director’s penchant for dark, brooding aesthetics and his thematic preoccupation with the macabre. A reimagining of Washington Irving’s classic tale, the film transforms the sleepy, supernatural folklore into a grand, cinematic spectacle drenched in gothic horror. Burton’s love for the gothic era is evident in every meticulously crafted frame, from the towering, skeletal trees that encroach on the titular town to the shadow-laden interiors that seem to whisper ghostly secrets. His flair for eerie visuals is amplified by Emmanuel Lubezki’s stunning cinematography, where shades of gray and muted tones evoke a sense of dread and melancholia, interrupted only by the vivid splashes of blood. The world of Sleepy Hollow feels alive with gothic energy, and the intricate production design, including its Victorian costumes and haunting set pieces, adds a layer of authenticity to the era Burton so deeply admires.

A crucial strength of Sleepy Hollow lies in its cast, which includes legends of British horror, lending the film a rich pedigree. Christopher Lee’s commanding cameo as a magistrate adds gravitas, while Michael Gough and Ian McDiarmid deliver performances that harken back to the golden age of British gothic cinema. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Ichabod Crane as a quirky, science-driven investigator brings a modern vulnerability to the character, contrasting beautifully with Christina Ricci’s ethereal presence as Katrina Van Tassel. The film also showcases Burton’s regular collaborator, Danny Elfman, whose haunting score weaves seamlessly into the narrative, heightening the film’s blend of eerie suspense and dark whimsy.

Thematically, Sleepy Hollow leans heavily into Burton’s fascination with the boundary between rationality and superstition. The story pits the cold logic of Depp’s Ichabod against the inexplicable terror of the Headless Horseman, culminating in a narrative that embraces the supernatural as an intrinsic force within its world. While some may critique the film for prioritising style over substance, it remains a quintessential Tim Burton offering—visually arresting, rich in atmosphere, and deeply rooted in gothic tradition. Sleepy Hollow stands as a loving tribute to the genre, earning its place as one of Burton’s most iconic works and a cherished piece of gothic cinema.

  • Saul Muerte

Frankenstein Created Woman: Science Meets Soul in Hammer’s Boldest Frankenstein Entry Yet

16 Saturday Nov 2024

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By its fourth entry in Hammer’s Frankenstein saga, Frankenstein Created Woman veered into uncharted thematic territory, exploring the transference of the soul rather than focusing solely on the reconstruction of flesh. The film’s roots trace back to an abandoned concept for the Tales of Frankenstein television series, which was later resurrected as a collaboration between Hammer and Twentieth Century Fox. Loosely inspired by Roger Vadim’s And God Created Woman, the feature delved into theological and philosophical dimensions, examining identity, morality, and the repercussions of manipulating the human essence. This ambitious narrative shift elevated it among Hammer’s catalog and gained recognition from cinephiles such as Martin Scorsese.

Central to the film’s success is Peter Cushing’s commanding reprisal of Baron Frankenstein. Cushing’s nuanced performance lends gravitas to the morally ambiguous doctor, whose unrelenting pursuit of scientific discovery transcends ethical boundaries. Opposite Cushing is Susan Denberg as Christina, a woman resurrected with a fractured identity. The tragic duality of Christina and her lover Hans, whose soul is embedded within her, provides a poignant underpinning to the grotesque premise. Denberg, a former Playboy Playmate immersed in the vibrant “It” crowd of the 1960s, including Roman Polanski, brought an uncanny mix of fragility and menace to her role. To bolster the film’s appeal, she was featured in a high-profile publicity campaign, though her career in film was short-lived. With its innovative focus on the isolation of the soul and a revenge-driven narrative, Frankenstein Created Woman became a bold and emotionally charged addition to the Hammer canon.

  • Saul Muerte

The Mummy’s Shroud (1967): A Cursed Shroud, a Creature’s Wrath, and a Studio’s Farewell

16 Saturday Nov 2024

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As the third entry in Hammer’s Mummy series, The Mummy’s Shroud faced an uphill battle to live up to the studio’s past successes. Despite its chilling premise involving a cursed shroud and the inevitable vengeance it unleashes, the film struggled to achieve the tension and excitement expected from Hammer’s golden age. Its release coincided with the closing chapter of an era, marking the final Hammer production to be filmed at the iconic Bray Studios. Unfortunately, the lackluster performances of the lead cast diminished the impact of the film’s otherwise atmospheric storytelling.

One saving grace was the work of Hammer veteran Michael Ripper, whose performance as the beleaguered Longbarrow stood out amid the weaker portrayals of the principal characters. Ripper’s innate charm and subtlety helped maintain audience engagement, even as the narrative faltered. While some gory scenes were cut to meet censorship demands, the special effects used in the Mummy’s demise were exceptional for their time. The climactic disintegration scene became a technical highlight, showcasing Hammer’s ingenuity in visual effects design. Despite its shortcomings, the film retains nostalgic appeal and is notable for its craftsmanship, though it remains overshadowed by Hammer’s more compelling creature features. Released alongside Frankenstein Created Woman as part of a double bill, The Mummy’s Shroud paled in comparison, offering modest thrills but failing to achieve the same level of ambition or resonance.

  • Saul Muerte

Into the Depths of Darkness: Coffin Joe’s Twisted Quest Continues in This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse

15 Friday Nov 2024

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This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse (1967), José Mojica Marins’ sequel to At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, dives deeper into the twisted world of Coffin Joe, expanding on themes of existential defiance, legacy, and brutal self-justification. The film builds on the reputation of the sinister undertaker, who now intensifies his search for the “perfect” mother of his progeny. With higher stakes, more explicit brutality, and an even stronger commitment to thematic audacity, This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse pushes the boundaries of Marins’ original vision.

The film’s plot follows Coffin Joe (Zé do Caixão) as he continues his obsessive quest for a worthy woman to bear his child, a pursuit that becomes even darker and more violent. After surviving the retribution faced in At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, Joe, unrepentant and emboldened, begins torturing and testing women, pushing them through horrifying trials to determine if they meet his twisted criteria. While his earlier blasphemy and moral nihilism painted him as a provocateur, Joe now appears even more ruthless, embodying a sort of twisted Darwinism as he justifies his crimes in the name of securing his legacy. The sequel effectively ups the ante, making Coffin Joe’s deranged quest for immortality and control over fate feel more visceral and disturbing.

The film’s visual style expands as well, reflecting the broader canvas Marins had to work with. There’s a particularly memorable scene where Coffin Joe dreams of Hell, shot in lurid colour, providing a startling contrast to the film’s otherwise stark black-and-white palette. This scene remains one of the most striking and surreal moments in 1960s horror cinema, reinforcing the film’s surrealist roots and adding a vivid, almost expressionistic element to Joe’s nightmarish world. Marins used his limited resources creatively, and this bold use of colour makes an already intense story feel even more haunting and visually ambitious.

In terms of character, Coffin Joe is more complex here, though still equally loathsome. Marins’ portrayal captures Joe’s internal contradictions—the philosophical musings, violent nihilism, and brazen self-confidence—that make him such a compelling anti-hero. Joe’s obsession with purity and genetic perfection not only reflects his ego and disregard for human life but also serves as a grim satire of authoritarian ideals. His monologues delve further into his worldview, questioning religion, morality, and society, challenging the audience directly as he did in the first film, but now with even greater force. Marins’ unhinged commitment to the role provides a dark charisma that keeps the viewer hooked, even if the character’s acts are nothing short of monstrous.

The film’s pacing and plot structure, however, have their challenges. While This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse benefits from a clearer narrative arc than its predecessor, some scenes feel repetitive, with certain trials and tortures overstaying their welcome. The intense focus on Coffin Joe’s sadistic “experiments” on the women he encounters might leave some viewers feeling fatigued, as the shock value loses impact with repetition. Additionally, the sequel’s reliance on violence and shock elements over psychological horror can sometimes feel less innovative than the original’s eerie atmosphere and unstructured approach.

Nevertheless, This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse is a provocative work that explores the darker sides of human nature with a gleeful defiance of conventional morality and cinematic norms. While not perfect, the film stands as a testament to Marins’ singular vision, and his fearless approach makes this entry a cult classic in its own right. For those willing to venture into Coffin Joe’s demented quest, the film delivers a rare and unique horror experience that continues to resonate as both an unsettling thriller and a pointed critique of authoritarian ideals.

For fans of At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, the sequel is a must-watch, pushing Coffin Joe’s story further into the realm of mythic horror while reflecting the raw inventiveness of 1960s horror cinema.

  • Saul Muerte