Review of The Brood (1979) by Roy C — 10 Aug 2010
When David Cronenberg released this, he described it as his version of Kramer Vs. Kramer, that might sound flippant, but he was being serious, as he'd just come through a traumatic divorce and custody battle for his daughter, it was the closest to autobiography Cronenberg has come with his films, but it makes for a powerful horror film, and Cronenberg's first big success.
Set in Toronto, it has maverick psychotherapist Dr. Hal Raglan (Oliver Reed) helping traumatised patients let their rage out in welts all over their bodies. One of Raglan's patients is Nola Carveth (Samantha Eggar), whose rage has caused her to asexually give birth to strange, mutated children, who via a telepathic bond, carry out horrible things whatever Nola's mood is at the time, this causes a nightmare situation for Nola's estranged husband Frank (Art Hindle) and their daughter Candice (Cindy Hinds), especially when Nola's deformed offspring go out to attack Frank, Candice and end up killing Nola's parents.
It might sound like a load of rubbish, but it's far from it, the film starts off slow and the suspense and horror just builds until a shocking ending. The score by Howard Shore (his first with Cronenberg) is brilliant and eerie.
It has brilliant performances from Reed and Eggar, and taut direction by Cronenberg.
This review of The Brood (1979) was written by Roy C on 10 Aug 2010.
The Brood has generally received positive reviews.
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