Review of Lifeforce (1985) by Chris S — 02 Apr 2008

Lifeforce is basically a pulp horror novel brought to life, the kind you would read for "self education" purposes behind a locked bedroom door back in the 70s. And indeed it is based on one such book, The Space Vampires by Colin Wilson, which I do remember reading for said "self education" purposes back in my youth.

So, as long as you bear this in mind when watching it, Lifeforce is actually rather good as it is relatively faithful to its source material and refreshingly British as a consequence. The only weak link really is the US actor Steve Railsback who, to put it kindly, is a tad miscast.

However, Lifeforce is perhaps best known for the presence of French actress Mathilda May, who as leader of the space vampires terrorising London, spends most of her screentime totally naked...