Review of I Walked with a Zombie (1943) by Ken T — 01 Nov 2010

Great Lewton horror - a mandatory watch every October. A Canadian nurse has been hired to care for the wealthy wife of a Caribbean businessman. On a ship going to the West Indes, she reflects on the beauty of the area when she is interrupted by her employer who notes that it is not beautiful and that it is quite the opposite.

And so a tale of dualities begins - things are never quite as they seem. The boss also has a half-brother who lives at the island home. The wife is seemingly catatonic or lifeless - just like a zombie.

This might have something to do with the Voodoo practiced by the islanders. There is a walk through a sugar plantation that is pure cinematic genius. The use of shadows is always prevalent and done to great effect.

All characters are extremely well written. I Walked with a Zombie is a great film; the best of the Lewton RKO horror films.