Review of The Bad Seed (1956) by Sanjid P — 03 Aug 2009

Tightly focused, heavy on dialogue and taking place primarily in one interior location, The Bad Seed is an outstanding horror masterpiece of 50s. Like Robert Wise's THE HAUNTING (1963), this is another classic example of how something implied and not shown can be just as effective and disturbing as something shown. 'Tell but don't show' attitude towards the film's violence works pretty effectively. The notable reason why this film works so well is down to a phenomenal performance by talented child actor Patricia McCormack. McCormack was brilliant in her challenging role that finds exactly the right pitch between the sweet and innocent youngster that she appear; and the dark persona that lies just beneath her look. Nonetheless her eerie facial expression is also priceless. Nancy Kelly similarly gives a defining performance as her tortured mother in a torrent of emotion.

A film adaptation of a play which itself adapted from a novel, the stagy mood of Mervyn Leroy's movie made it an unique horror gem for ardent fans of the genre.