The Shivers
The Shivers

Movie spotlight

The Shivers

1998
Movie
117 min
English

Party house is actually portal to evil dimension, and horde of murderous beings slaughter partygoers, then homicidal children attack cars, before evildoers are all pulled back through the portal to invade another dimension.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes54%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users73%
Director: David CronenbergGenres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a futuristic Montreal apartment complex, a new experimental surgical procedure designed to eliminate aggression and promote sexual liberation goes horribly wrong. The procedure unleashes primal, violent urges in the residents, leading to a terrifying descent into chaos and depravity. As the inhabitants succumb to their basest instincts, the building becomes a nightmarish battleground where humanity's darkest desires are unleashed.

Critical Reception

David Cronenberg's 'The Shivers' is a disturbing and prescient early work that explores themes of technological advancement, sexual liberation, and societal breakdown. While initially met with shock and controversy for its explicit content and disturbing imagery, it has since gained a cult following and is recognized as a significant entry in the body horror genre, showcasing Cronenberg's distinctive style.

What Reviewers Say

  • A visceral and unsettling exploration of human nature and societal control.

  • Bold and provocative, showcasing Cronenberg's unique brand of body horror.

  • The film's ambition is matched by its disturbing imagery, making it a polarizing but memorable experience.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's shocking and provocative nature, with many appreciating its unflinching exploration of dark themes and Cronenberg's signature style. Some viewers find it disturbing and difficult to watch, while others praise its originality and unsettling impact.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived by David Cronenberg as a more straightforward horror film, but he was inspired by the 1970s oil crisis to inject themes of resource scarcity and societal breakdown into the narrative, leading to its more satirical and commentary-driven direction.

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