Devil's Crude
Nick has been living as a merchant seaman, sailing everywhere with his pet pelican. While off the coast of South America, his boat is capsized by an oil tanker. In fury, he gets back ashore, seeking the oil company's board of directors, and says that he wants to be repaid. However, he is met by surprising hostility. He also meets a twelve-year-old boy who, it turns out, is the heir to the oil company, after his grandfather allegedly died. Nick agrees to protect the boy and, not very surprisingly, they soon find that Grandpa isn't at all dead, but merely hiding in the wilderness (allegedly the Colombian Amazon). Soon they discover that there is a conspiracy of greed, and after an action-packed climax, Nick acquires a new boat.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a quiet Italian town, a young girl named Alice begins to experience terrifying nightmares and visions after her mother's mysterious death. As the occurrences escalate, it becomes apparent that a malevolent entity is targeting her. Alice must unravel the dark secrets surrounding her family and confront the supernatural forces before they consume her.
Critical Reception
Devil's Crude received a mixed to negative reception from critics, often polarizing audiences. While some praised its atmospheric dread and Argento's signature visual style, many found the plot convoluted and the scares repetitive. Home video releases contributed to its cult status among horror aficionados, despite its commercial underperformance.
What Reviewers Say
- Visually striking with moments of genuine tension, but ultimately undermined by a muddled narrative.
- Features some classic Argento giallo elements, though it doesn't reach the heights of his earlier work.
- The performances are serviceable, but the film struggles to maintain consistent pacing and coherence.
Google audience: Audience reviews are divided, with some appreciating the film's dark atmosphere and giallo influences. However, many found the story confusing and felt it lacked the impact of Argento's more acclaimed films, with some criticizing the pacing and overuse of certain horror tropes.
Fun Fact
Devil's Crude was famously one of the final films to receive a significant theatrical release in certain regions before the widespread adoption of home video, contributing to its initial limited impact and later cult following.
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