Review of Castle Freak (1996) by Carlos B — 12 Oct 2009

Often gruesome and disturbing, Stuart Gordon's Castle Freak makes for a creepy horror movie that verges on being classic. American dysfunctional family settles in an old Italian castle they inherited.

As soon as they arrive, strange things start happening somehow connected with an old tortured resident. The atmosphere in the castle is genuinely frightening and Gordon largely contributes to it providing incredibly intense scenes featuring the freak tormenting the blind girl and the prostitute.

Gordon's film showcases fears that are much more deeper as the main character played by Gordon's regular Jeffrey Combs has to face the consequences of his own tragic accident. Gordon juxtaposes his character's past deeds with what he's obliged to do now, that is save his family.

In its methodical portrayal of characters and their fears Castle Freak is much smarter than your average horror flick. It isn't perfect though relying on the formula of unusually strong villain. I may be nitpicking, but the physical strength of the character after the long years of maltreatment is unbelievable.

Overall, Castle Freak succeeds as being immensely scary and creepily atmospheric. 8/10 (B+).