Review of Phenomena (1985) by Andrey B — 02 Nov 2016

Jennifer Connelly, Donal Pleasance, tons of insects, a pit of maggot-infested corpses, and a razor-wielding ape...in a film directed by Dario Argento. If that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will.

Phenomena a.k.a. Creepers is a hodgepodge of several subgenera and styles that shouldn't work and, yet, in some wacky way, it does. If one approaches the film like a strange fairy tale (much like Argento's masterpiece Suspiria), it makes for a much more satisfying viewing.

Much like Argento's Tenebrae, Phenomena builds and builds until the crazy final 20 minutes where you won't even believe what's happening right in front of you eyes. Add in beautiful Swiss locations, great special effects, a deranged performance by Daria Nicolodi, and a killer soundtrack and you have a winner.