The Brood
The Brood

Movie spotlight

The Brood

1979
Movie
92 min
English

A man tries to uncover an unconventional psychologist's therapy techniques on his institutionalized wife, while a series of brutal attacks committed by a brood of mutant children coincides with the husband's investigation.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic50/100
Google Users75%
Director: David CronenbergGenres: Horror, Psychological Thriller

Plot Summary

A man is caught in the middle of a divorce and a bizarre new therapy technique that seems to be manifesting physical manifestations of his estranged wife's psychological issues. As the therapeutic sessions escalate, strange, dwarf-like creatures begin appearing and committing violent acts, leading him to uncover a horrifying truth about the therapy and his wife's intentions.

Critical Reception

The Brood is considered a landmark in Cronenberg's early body horror period, praised for its disturbing themes and visceral intensity. While some critics found its subject matter overly bleak and shocking, many recognized its artistic merit and its potent exploration of familial trauma and psychological disintegration. Audience reception was polarized, with many disturbed by its graphic nature and unsettling narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply unsettling and disturbing exploration of marital discord and psychological horror.

  • Cronenberg's signature body horror elements are on full display, delivering visceral and grotesque imagery.

  • Praised for its bold thematic content, though some found it gratuitously shocking.

Google audience: Audiences often find 'The Brood' to be a disturbing yet compelling horror film, appreciating its unique premise and psychological depth. Some viewers are taken aback by its graphic nature and bleak tone, while others commend its effectiveness in creating a sense of dread and exploring dark familial themes.

Fun Fact

The distinctive sound of the dwarf creatures' screams was created by speeding up recordings of Oliver Reed's own voice.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Oliver Reed plays the sophisticated, secretive psychologist "Raglan" who is treating "Nola" (Samantha Eggar), the wife of "Frank" (Art Hindle). His techniques are either cutting edge or reckless, depending on your point of view - and his pe...

John Chard

John Chard

They're her children. More exactly, they're the children of her rage. The Brood is written and directed by David Cronenberg. It stars Oliver Reed, Samantha Eggar and Art Hindle. Music is by Howard Shore and cinematography by Mark Irwin....

Wuchak

Wuchak

***When inner rage is personified*** A man (Art Hindle) investigates a pop psychologist’s unconventional therapy techniques after his daughter shows signs of abuse when visiting her mother (Samantha Eggar) undergoing the secretive trea...