Movie spotlight
Forbidden Network
Two Indonesian citizens, members of a drug syndicate based in New York, leak some information to Indonesian police that Ben Murphy, a syndicate member, is now inspecting cannabis fields on the northern Borneo border. The police immediately arrest Ben Murphy, and try to get some information out of him. Ben runs away and meets Cindy Jackson, who wants revenge for the death of her lover. The police succeed in destroying the cannabis fields and the syndicate. Cindy gets involved romantically with a policeman while Ben goes with a hunter girl in the forests of Borneo.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of teenagers are terrorized by a mysterious caller who taunts them with disturbing messages and orchestrates their deaths. As the body count rises, the remaining survivors must uncover the identity of the killer before they become the next victims.
Critical Reception
Forbidden Network received a generally negative reception from critics, often cited for its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. However, some viewers found merit in its attempts at suspense and its contribution to the slasher genre of the era.
What Reviewers Say
Lacks originality and relies on tired horror tropes.
The suspense is inconsistent, and the killer's motive is weak.
A forgettable entry in the 1980s slasher film trend.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but those available suggest it is considered a lesser-known slasher film that doesn't offer much beyond typical genre fare. Some viewers appreciate its vintage feel, while others find it uninspired.
Fun Fact
The film was released during a period when telecommunication-themed horror films were gaining traction, following the success of titles like 'When a Stranger Calls'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources