Review of Rabid (1977) by Aren B — 15 Jan 2009

Part zombie epidemic, part commentary on feminism and empowerment, "Rabid" shows David Cronenberg still balancing between the generic horror of his contemporaries and the unique body horror that cemented him as an auteur.

The protagonist is Rose (Marilyn Chambers, popular for her roles in adult films), a young, attractive twenty-something woman who gets into a motorcycle accident and acquires a mutation due to plastic surgery which causes her to spread a rabies-like virus through a small, phallic stinger underneath her arm.

Chambers does an admirable job in her role amid a slew of shoddy supporting actors and actresses, and the film does successfully place you in a state of suspense and discomfort. The highlights are small breakthroughs of Cronenberg's signature gore and preoccupation with the ramifications of bodily enhancement.

Strictly as a horror film, "Rabid" does its job.