Strange Illusion
Strange Illusion

Movie spotlight

Strange Illusion

1945
Movie
87 min
English

An adolescent believes that his widowed mother's suitor may have murdered his father.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Edgar G. UlmerGenres: Film-noir, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young war veteran returns home to discover his father has died under mysterious circumstances and his mother has remarried a sinister, controlling man. As he investigates his father's death, he uncovers a web of deceit, manipulation, and potential murder within his own family. The film explores themes of psychological distress and the unsettling nature of secrets.

Critical Reception

While not a major critical darling upon release, "Strange Illusion" has since gained a cult following for its atmospheric direction and noir elements. It is often cited as an example of Edgar G. Ulmer's distinctive style within the B-movie circuit. Audience reception has been mixed, with some appreciating its moodiness and others finding its plot convoluted.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dark, atmospheric mood and effective use of shadow.

  • Often noted for Edgar G. Ulmer's economical yet stylish direction.

  • Some find the plot overly melodramatic or difficult to follow.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiments for "Strange Illusion" is not readily available or extensively documented in public records.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in just six days on a very low budget, a common characteristic of Edgar G. Ulmer's work during this period.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Shortly after his father dies, the bright young “Paul” (Jimmy Lydon) starts to have nightmares that his mother’s new beau is, in some way, behind the death. Of course, she (Sally Ellers) doesn’t know of his spooky suspicions, but he does co...