The Evil
The Evil

Movie spotlight

The Evil

1978
Movie
89 min
English

Shortly after moving into a dark, brooding mansion, a psychologist and his co-workers are terrorized by a horrible evil being.

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Director: Curtis HarringtonGenres: Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A successful but unhappy artist, recovering from a breakdown, inherits a remote mansion from his estranged aunt. He soon discovers the mansion is a spiritual battleground, haunted by demonic forces and the psychic manipulations of a mysterious woman who claims to be his aunt's caretaker. The artist must confront his own inner demons and the malevolent entities that seek to possess him or drive him to madness.

Critical Reception

The Evil is a lesser-known supernatural horror film from the late 1970s. It received mixed to negative reviews upon release, often criticized for its slow pacing and derivative plot elements, though some appreciated its atmospheric attempts and the performance of Richard Crenna. It has since gained a cult following among fans of atmospheric, psychological horror.

What Reviewers Say

  • Often cited for its atmospheric tension and psychological horror elements.

  • Criticized for a predictable plot and sometimes sluggish pacing.

  • Richard Crenna's performance as the tormented artist is frequently highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment indicates appreciation for its spooky atmosphere and classic horror tropes, while some found it to be a bit dated or slow-moving.

Fun Fact

Director Curtis Harrington was known for his work in both avant-garde cinema and more traditional Hollywood genres, and 'The Evil' fits into his exploration of the uncanny and the psychological.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

_**Richard Crenna has no sympathy for the devil**_ A formidable psychologist (Richard Crenna) purchases a veritable castle in the mountains of the Southwest and plans to refurbish it into a drug rehab. After hiring several students & col...