Movie Review: The Beyond (1981)
Synopsis:
"The Beyond," directed by the famed Italian filmmaker Lucio Fulci, is a seminal entry in the Italian horror genre, often hailed as one of the most influential and unnerving films of its time. Set in 1927 Louisiana, the film begins with a group of villagers who are tormented by a sinister supernatural force, culminating in the brutal lynching of a woman accused of witchcraft. Fast forward to the 1980s, the story follows a young Italian expatriate, Liza Merril, who inherits a dilapidated hotel in the same haunted locale. Unbeknownst to Liza, the hotel is built atop one of the seven gateways to hell – a narrative device that Fulci exploits to great and terrifying effect.
As Liza attempts to restore the hotel and open it to guests, she soon discovers that the location harbours a dark past. Strange occurrences start to plague the hotel, with terrifying manifestations linked to the supernatural realm. A series of horrifying events unfolds, spawning a cascade of violence and depravity. Liza allied with a blind woman named Emily, who possesses a mysterious connection to the otherworldly happenings, finds herself confronted by grotesque creatures and the spirit of the woman wrongly accused of witchcraft. The boundaries between life and death blur as Liza races against time to unlock the secrets of the hotel, facing horrific visions that culminate in a truly surreal and disorientating climax.
Actors and Characters:
- Catriona MacColl as Liza Merril
- David Warbeck as Mark
- Sarah Keller as Emily
- Antoine Saint-John as Dr. John McCabe
- Veronica Lazar as the sinister witch
- Michele Soavi as a hotel guest
Review:
Lucio Fulci is a director who remains polarising among traditional horror film enthusiasts; he occupies a niche somewhere between art-house surrealism and grindhouse exploitation. Fulci’s work in "The Beyond" exemplifies his penchant for visceral horror, manifesting not just through intense gore but through an otherworldly atmosphere that grips the viewer with a palpable sense of dread. While "The Beyond" may not adhere to conventional narrative structures, its nonlinear storytelling amplifies its haunting qualities, allowing it to resonate as a fever dream that invites viewers to interpret its cryptic symbolism.
From the outset, the cinematography, handled by the skilled Sergio Salvati, sets a specific tone that permeates the film. The opening scenes pulsate with an all-encompassing gloom; the use of natural light intertwines with shadows, accentuating the film’s surreal quality. There is an elegance to how the camera glides through the hotel’s derelict corridors, portending the encroaching terror that lurks within. Fulci’s meticulous choice of framing often presents an image of beauty marred by malevolence, wherein flowers bloom beside grotesque deaths, and soft pastels are charred by the nightmarish imagery. The haunting visuals sit comfortably alongside the evocative music score composed by Fabio Frizzi, which further plunges the viewer into a chaotic labyrinth of horror.
Though not traditionally known for character development, in "The Beyond," Fulci cleverly uses Liza and her companions to create a sense of empathy amid the relentless horror. Catriona MacColl’s portrayal of Liza is both compelling and layered; she embodies a tragic innocence that is slowly eroded by the evils she encounters. MacColl’s performance, marked by her vulnerability while facing unspeakable terrors, resonates powerfully with the audience. David Warbeck, as Mark, serves as Liza’s spirited ally, lending some stability amidst the chaos. Their chemistry is palpable, reinforcing a common horror trope where the union of courage and compassion leads to survival – or ultimately, demise.
Fulci’s genius lies in his ability to evoke horror without the necessity of clear explanations. The film’s disjointed narrative can disorientate viewers, yet this mirrors the obliterated sense of reality faced by the characters. The storytelling feels reminiscent of a nightmarish slumber; scenes shift unexpectedly, leading to moments of terrifying confrontation. This disjointed approach leads audiences deeper into Liza’s experience, heightening the film’s sense of psychological terror.
What truly distinguishes "The Beyond" within the genre is its unabashed embrace of gore. While many horror films of the time engaged in horror-light tactics, Fulci unfurls a carnival of carnage, with grizzly scenes etched into the memories of those who partake. From tarantula attacks to graphic eye gougings, each instance oozes Fulci’s signature brand of explicit brutality, combined with a poetic flair that borrows heavily from surrealism. Some of the film’s most stirred scenes evoke a blend of emotional disgust and intrigue. While horror enthusiasts may have developed a hardened palate for gore over the years, Fulci’s imaginative execution reminds us that dread can intermingle with the grotesque in immersive and vivid ways.
The thematic exploration of the film touches upon ideas of torment, guilt, and the inaccuracies of history, creating layers that warrant significant analysis. The hotel, as a symbolic battleground, signifies both sanctuary and a liminal space where the distinctions between life and death are blurred. The spectre of the witch haunts both the characters and the audience, symbolising the pain of unaddressed injustices. The ambience of dread and despair reflects upon the film’s deeper existential meditations, engaging viewers who seek a richer interplay of horror and philosophical inquiry.
Yet, amidst these commendable attributes, "The Beyond" is not without its faults. The disjointed structure can alienate those unfamiliar with Fulci’s style, while the whimsical nature of some of the gore can be perceived as excessive. The narrative choices invite critique, particularly in scenes where pacing falters or motivations become nebulous. Unlike contemporary horror films that rely on climactic arcs and character development, "The Beyond" pours itself into a canvas of madness, leaving some elements feeling incomplete or unresolved. However, it is in this messy execution that one can find beauty, as it reflects the chaos of the human experience and the transient nature of reality.
In conclusion, "The Beyond" is a thought-provoking and profoundly unsettling exploration of horror, masterfully utilising the themes of death, isolation, and the supernatural. Its visual splendour is matched by creative cinematography, and the visceral nature of its effects streams a raw tension that is nearly unparalleled. For those who are open to its disjointed narrative and unapologetic gore, Fulci offers a cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary and delves into the nightmarish depths of the human psyche.
Score: 8.5/10
Ultimately, while not every viewer may fully embrace "The Beyond," those who venture through its surreal corridors will emerge accompanying an eerie legacy of horror cinema that has shaped our understanding of the macabre. It remains a film that evokes fear, fascination, and an abiding sense of wonder, cementing Lucio Fulci’s status as an icon in horror filmmaking.
