Malicious

A young woman, haunted by a traumatic childhood event, inherits her aunt's remote mansion. Upon arrival, she finds herself plagued by disturbing visions and unsettling occurrences, blurring the lines between reality and her deepest fears. As the supernatural phenomena escalate, she must confront the dark secrets of the house and her own psyche to survive.

Malicious (1973) is a lesser-known psychological horror film that garnered mixed to negative reviews upon its release. While some critics acknowledged its atmospheric tension and a decent performance from Yvette Mimieux, many found the plot convoluted and the scares uninspired. It has since gained a cult following among fans of gothic horror and low-budget genre films.

• The film attempts to create psychological dread but often falls into predictable horror tropes.

• Yvette Mimieux's performance is a highlight, lending a sense of desperation to her character.

• The pacing can be slow, and the plot resolution leaves something to be desired for some viewers.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Malicious are scarce, but those available suggest a divided opinion. Some viewers appreciate its vintage horror atmosphere and Yvette Mimieux's performance, while others find the story predictable and lacking in genuine scares.

Director Curtis Harrington, known for his work in exploitation and horror cinema, also directed the cult classic 'Night Tide' (1961) and was a script doctor on films like 'What's the Matter with Helen?' (1971).