Movie Review: Demons (1985)
Synopsis
“Demons,” directed by the talented Lamberto Bava and produced by the legendary Dario Argento, is a quintessential entry in the Italian horror genre of the 1980s. Set against the backdrop of a derelict cinema in West Berlin, the film revolves around a group of unsuspecting patrons who find themselves trapped within the theatre as a malevolent force begins to unleash its horrors upon them.
The movie opens with a mysterious figure clad in a mask inviting a young woman named Cheryl (Natasha Hovey) to a special screening at the cinema. She, along with her friend, arrives at the venue, unaware that the evening will turn into a terrifying nightmare. As the film starts, the audience is drawn into a supernatural tale that acts as a catalyst for the real horrors to come. The story revolves around a demonic entity that can possess individuals who come into contact with a cursed mask featured in the film being shown, transforming them into grotesque, bloodthirsty demons.
As the situation escalates, the audience members become the targets of the demons, and the theatre transforms into a battleground. The few characters who remain unpossessed must fight for their survival, declaring allegiances, experiencing panic, and ultimately confronting the very essence of evil that has infiltrated their sanctuary. The film’s narrative skillfully intertwines gore and camp, delivering a unique and unforgettable experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
List of Actors and Their Characters
- Natasha Hovey as Cheryl
- Paolo Paoloni as the Leader
- Karl-Zero as George
- Geretta Geretta as Angela
- Gina Centofanti as Margo
- Franco Garofalo as Ken
- David Edwin Knight as the Crow
- Elias Koteas as the Projectionist
- Claudio Simonetti as the Demonic Voice
- Barbara Cupisti as the Film’s Actress
- Stefania D’Amario as a Demon
- Fabrizio Bracconeri as a Demon
Review
“Demons” stands as a brilliant encapsulation of the horror genre as it was defined in the 1980s, blending elements of supernatural horror with iconic Italian aesthetic stylings. The film’s premise of ‘theatre within a theatre’ cleverly allows for increasing tension as characters gradually become aware of their predicament. The isolation of the cinema becomes a character in itself, reflecting the entrapment and horror of their situation.
From the outset, audiences are bombarded with a striking visual style that Lamberto Bava has come to be known for. The rich colours and garish lighting are reminiscent of Argento’s work, creating an atmosphere teetering between ecstasy and agony. The film celebrates the aesthetic excesses of the time; the costumes, hairstyles, and music all evoke a sense of neon-lit nostalgia. The soundtrack, primarily composed by the band Goblin, echoes the tension beautifully, blending thrash metal guitar riffs with unsettling synthesiser melodies, making the auditory experience as gripping as the visual one.
The character development might not be in-depth, but that suits the film’s frenetic pace. The dialogues are often cheesy and convoluted, contributing to the campy charm that “Demons” embodies. Viewers come to invest emotionally in the characters, however minimal their arcs, simply because they represent the everyman thrown into a surreal nightmare. Cheryl, played convincingly by Natasha Hovey, serves as the central figure whose transformation from naiveté to desperation is one of the more prominent character journeys.
The gore in “Demons” is unabashedly excessive. The practical effects, crafted by the legendary Sergio Stivaletti, are both grotesque and artistically impressive. The aggressive creativity displayed when depicting transformation scenes and the ensuing carnage is how this film cements its status in the annals of horror cinema. Consequently, it balances itself as both a horrific spectacle and an art form, elevating the genre beyond mere shock value.
The film doesn’t shy away from social commentary, either. It invites viewers to contemplate their own complicity in consuming violent media. The film-within-a-film motif adds layers to the narrative, presenting a meta-textual reflection on the nature of horror itself. As the audience watches the fictional film, they simultaneously experience horrors that evoke existential dread and awareness of mortality. Bava questions the safety of escapism, demonstrating the thin line between entertainment and reality, implying that one could be consumed by the very media they enjoy.
“Demons” is not without its flaws. The pacing falters occasionally, particularly in the mid-section, where one might feel that the film could benefit from tightening to maintain an unrelenting pace. Additionally, the film can come across as too disjointed in its narrative, often forgoing coherence for shocks. However, it’s precisely these quirks that become part of its unique charm, as it defies genres and expectations, experimenting with elements that seem almost anarchic in intent.
The directorial choices showcase Bava’s bravado in his ability to create suspense, utilising effective camera work and clever editing. The scenes where characters become possessed are particularly striking; dramatic close-ups combined with fluid camera movements create a harrowing sense of disorientation that fans of horror have come to appreciate. The cinematography makes the audience feel the panic and claustrophobia that the characters experience, reinforcing the terror unfolding on screen.
Furthermore, the film’s ending, drenched in ambiguity and chaos, resonates profoundly. After the climactic showdown with the demonic forces, the remaining characters face not just the literal demons, but the demons of their own making. The final scenes leave audiences in a state of bewilderment, leaving them contemplating the unresolved fate of those trapped within this nightmarish scenario.
In conclusion, “Demons” is a masterful blend of horror, camp, and social commentary that continues to influence filmmakers and thrill audiences decades after its initial release. Its unique setting, compelling visual style, and unapologetic embrace of gore serve to cement its legacy within the genre. Though it may not be a flawless piece of cinema, it embodies the spirit of 1980s horror with wit, flair, and a bite that resonates powerfully even today. In an era of horror that often leans toward the psychological, “Demons” reminds us of the primal thrill of visceral terror.
Score: 8.5/10