Cat People
Cat People

Cat People

1982Movie118 minEnglish

After years of separation, Irena Gallier and her minister brother, Paul, reunite in New Orleans. When zoologists capture a wild panther, Irena is drawn to the cat – and zoo curator Oliver to her. Soon, Paul will have to reveal the family secret: that when sexually aroused, they revert into predatory jungle cats.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Google Users71%
Director: Paul SchraderGenres: Horror, Fantasy, Romance

Plot Summary

A young woman, Irena Gallier, travels to New Orleans to reconnect with her estranged father and brother, unaware of her family's dark secret. She discovers she is descended from a race of feline shapeshifters, and that mating with a human carries a terrible curse: if she becomes aroused, she transforms into a predatory panther. As she falls for a marine biologist, Oliver Yates, she must struggle to control her primal urges and avoid becoming a mindless beast.

Critical Reception

Paul Schrader's "Cat People" is a stylish and atmospheric remake that delves into erotic horror with a unique blend of sensuality and terror. While its narrative can be somewhat elusive, the film is widely praised for its striking visuals, atmospheric score by Giorgio Moroder, and Nastassja Kinski's mesmerizing performance. Critics and audiences often note its daring exploration of sexuality and primal instincts, though some find its pacing and plot less compelling than its mood and imagery.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense atmosphere and striking visual style.
  • Nastassja Kinski's performance is often highlighted as a captivating element.
  • The film's exploration of sexuality and primal fears is considered bold but sometimes overshadowed by a less cohesive plot.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's moody atmosphere, sensual undertones, and Nastassja Kinski's performance. Some viewers find the storyline a bit convoluted, but the overall visceral experience and unique horror elements are frequently mentioned as positives.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where the panther leaps through the glass was achieved using a carefully constructed breakaway glass pane and a trained black panther.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

***Atmospheric, artistic, dramatic horror in New Orleans*** "Cat People" came out in 1982 and is a modern take on the classic 1942 film. Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell are siblings cursed to become were-panthers if sexually arouse...