A gripping exercise in body horror and social paranoia, prolific Canadian director David Cronenberg's debut feature offers a startling look at modern isolationist society with a parasitic twist. When a scientist experimenting with a new form of organ transplants kills a young female resident of a fortress-like apartment complex before subsequently committing suicide, the investigation into her death leads to a frightening discovery. Originally conceived by the misguided scientist in a bid to aid
organ transplant, an overzealous parasite quickly escapes into the complex in search of a host. One by one, the unsuspecting residents fall prey to the parasite, and the result is an aggressive horde of sex maniacs who will stop at nothing to satisfy their primal lust and pass the infection on through sexual contact. When the resident doctor learns the sinister truth behind the malevolent creation, only one man stands between an apartment complex overflowing with id-driven zombies and the outside world. Will he be able to stop the rapidly spreading parasite before it escapes into society, or is it only a matter of time until he, too, falls prey to its rapturous effects and gives in to the temptations of the flesh? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Shivers is Cronenberg's formative movie in many ways. He really refines his focus on sex and violence, and takes body horror to new heights. This is a huge step up from his two experimental films.
The synopsis on RT should suffice. I have nothing to really add. It's an interesting story that observes both
claustrophobia and paranoia. If that's your thing, this movie will not disappoint. It's definitely my thing, so I give Shivers and both its subtitles an 84%.
August 23, 2011
Austen Rudnick
Super Reviewer
A rape-atorium of a movie. Imagine Night of the Living Dead, but with sex-ed up Canadians instead of Zombies. The film VERY watchable. The story is told well, the acting is mostly acceptable, and it's sprinkled with nudity.It is however, hideously shot. I've seen alcoholics that were better lit than this movie. All the
hard, double and TRIPLE shadows make the whole thing looks like it was lit with halogen work lamps. I can only assume there was no diffusion in Canada at the time this film was shot.
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