Terror Unleashed in Claustrophobic Thriller
Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
Crawlspace (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1986, Kino Cult Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): David Schmoeller
Writer(s): David Schmoeller
Cast: Klaus Kinski, Talia Balsam, Barbara Whinnery, Carol Francis, Tané, Sally Brown
Where To Watch: available March 4, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com
RAVING REVIEW: There’s something especially unsettling about a horror film that traps its audience in a single, confined setting. The walls start to close in, the air feels heavier, and every creak becomes a warning sign of what lurks in the shadows. This film takes full advantage of that suffocating atmosphere, transforming an ordinary apartment complex into a labyrinth of voyeuristic horror. With a lead performance that straddles the line between chilling and completely unhinged, it builds its tension through paranoia, a sense of inescapability, and a villain who thrives on control. While the final product has flaws, there’s no denying that it delivers a uniquely unsettling experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
At the story's heart is a landlord whose mild-mannered exterior masks his sinister obsessions. His apartment building isn’t just a home for his tenants; it’s his hunting ground. Hidden within the structure is a network of crawlspaces, giving him full access to spy on his residents without their knowledge. But simple observation isn’t enough—he needs to be in control. His history, laced with darkness from his past, only fuels his depraved tendencies, pushing him toward acts of cruelty that go beyond mere voyeurism. The character is written as a predator who thrives on dominance, and every action he takes reinforces that unsettling power dynamic.
What makes the villain so effective isn’t just his actions but how he presents himself while committing them. His demeanor’s an eerie calmness, a controlled presence that makes even his most heinous acts feel like nothing more than routine. The way he speaks and moves, and even the methodical manner in which he lurks through the hidden passageways, all contribute to the feeling that this man is completely at peace with his monstrosity. He isn’t performing for anyone’s benefit. He believes in what he’s doing. That quiet confidence makes him even more terrifying.
Of course, it helps when an actor willing to commit to the madness plays a role like this. The lead performance here is nothing short of hypnotic, making the character fascinating and repulsive. His erratic behavior off-screen is nearly as infamous as his on-screen persona, and that intensity bleeds into every moment of the film. Whether delivering a monologue to himself or carrying out his next twisted plan, there’s a level of unpredictability to his performance that keeps the audience on edge. There’s no telling when he’ll snap, which adds another layer of tension to an already anxiety-inducing premise.
The way the camera glides through air shafts and cramped corridors makes it feel like the audience is stuck in the building with the characters, unable to escape the horrors unfolding around them. Every dimly lit hallway and hidden passage is used to its full effect, creating an atmosphere that never lets up. There’s a voyeuristic quality to the cinematography, putting the viewer in the same perspective as the villain, making the whole experience feel even more invasive. It’s a clever technique that enhances the film’s themes without needing to spell them out.
The film's biggest issue is that the supporting characters don’t get much to do beyond exist as potential victims. The tenants have just enough personality to establish their presence, but the film doesn’t spend enough time fleshing them out. Without stronger characterization, the stakes don’t feel as high as they should. When characters meet their inevitable fates, their suffering is not given much emotional weight.
Beyond the film itself, the chaos behind the scenes adds another layer of intrigue. The production was as tense as the film, largely thanks to its lead actor’s notoriously volatile behavior. Stories from the set paint a picture of a man whose presence was as erratic in reality as it was on screen, creating an atmosphere of unease that translated into the final product, whether intentional or not. It’s a rare case where the instability behind the camera somehow fuels the effectiveness of what’s happening in front of it.
Years after its release, the film has found a cult following, particularly among fans who appreciate horror that leans into psychological dread rather than over-the-top spectacle. It may not have the same level of name recognition as some of its genre contemporaries, but those who seek it out will find a film that knows exactly how to get under its audience’s skin. It’s an experience that may not be perfect, but it’s undeniably effective at creating a mood that lingers.
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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]
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How come you aren’t on Rotten Tomatoes? Will you be joining their platform soon as an approved critic?
Thank you so much!!! I sure hope so, I just applied yesterday for the 4th year in a row. I hope they give me the chance! 😊