The Demons

A mysterious film director recruits a group of actors for a new film within an abandoned village, which soon turns out to be cursed. As the actors begin to fall victim to supernatural forces and transform into monstrous beings, the lines between the film's narrative and reality blur. The remaining cast members struggle to survive the escalating terror and uncover the dark secrets of the village and the film's production.

While not widely released or heavily reviewed during its initial run, 'The Demons' has gained a cult following among horror aficionados. Critics who have seen it often praise Bava's atmospheric direction, striking visuals, and the film's unique blend of surreal horror and meta-commentary. However, its complex narrative and unconventional structure have sometimes led to divided opinions.

• Praised for Mario Bava's distinctive visual style and atmospheric dread.

• Lauded for its surreal and nightmarish narrative, blending reality and filmmaking.

• Some find the plot convoluted and difficult to follow.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for 'The Demons (1973)' is not readily available.

Mario Bava filmed 'The Demons' concurrently with 'Lisa and the Devil', and later re-edited footage from both films to create a third version titled 'House of Exorcism' for a more mainstream audience.