Phenomena
Phenomena

Movie spotlight

Phenomena

1985
Movie
110 min
English

A young girl, with an amazing ability to communicate with insects, is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Google Users70%
Director: Dario ArgentoGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young girl named Jennifer, possessing psychic abilities to communicate with insects, is sent to a Swiss boarding school. When a series of gruesome murders plagues the area, Jennifer finds herself drawn into the investigation, aided by an entomologist and his chimpanzee. She must use her unique connection to the insect world to uncover the killer's identity before becoming their next victim.

Critical Reception

Phenomena is a cult classic often praised for its unique premise and Argento's signature visual style, though it's also recognized for its sometimes convoluted plot and graphic violence. It has garnered a dedicated following among horror aficionados.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its surreal atmosphere and striking imagery.

  • Critiqued for its sometimes nonsensical plot and pacing.

  • Appreciated for its inventive use of insects as a horror element.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate the film for its distinctive style and memorable, albeit bizarre, elements, with many enjoying its cult status and unique horror concepts. Some find the story disjointed, but its visual flair and originality are often highlighted as positives.

Fun Fact

The film famously features a Swiss army knife with a retractable razor blade, which becomes a recurring motif and weapon.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
talisencrw

talisencrw

Both a great chance to see two acting icons (one, Donald Pleasence, at his prime, and the other, Jennifer Connelly, just starting out on her filmic journey) and one of the films on director Argento's great run of horror classics, this is wo...

John Chard

John Chard

Phenomena, doo-doo doo-doo-doo. Arriving at a Swiss Academy for girls, Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Connelly) gets embroiled in the workings of a serial killer. Her friends the insects and Professor John McGregor (Donald Pleasence) are on ...