Unleashing Hell: a Journey Through Possession

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Antichrist (L'anticristo) (4K UHD)
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Genre: Horror, Drama
Year Released: 1974, 2024 Kino Cult
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Alberto De Martino
Writer(s): Gianfranco Clerici, Alberto De Martino, Vincenzo Mannino
Cast: Carla Gravina, Mel Ferrer, Arthur Kennedy, Alida Valli, Umberto Orsini, George Coulouris, Mario Scaccia, Anita Strindberg, Remo Girone
Language: English, Italian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available now here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Alberto De Martino’s THE ANTICHRIST presents a harrowing and stylistically bold foray into the world of supernatural thrillers, rich with the cultural flair of its Italian setting. Unfolding within the alleys of Rome, the film stitches together an eerie tale of ancient curses and modern struggle. THE ANTICHRIST brews its dark concoction of psychological depth, religious iconography, and provocative themes that challenge the norms of the supernatural thriller genre.

Carla Gravina takes center stage as Ippolita, a character bound not only by physical paralysis but also by her past. The film starts with an unconventional attempt at therapy that, instead of healing, inadvertently awakens a vengeful spirit from the dark recesses of history. A riveting descent into chaos follows, where Ippolita becomes predator and prey, culminating in an exorcism sequence vitally pivotal to the storyline.

Joe D’Amato, a seasoned hand at crafting visceral cinema landscapes, elevates the film's narrative with his signature exploitation flair as a cinematographer. Each frame he crafts is a haunting painting, capturing the slow poison of possession that seeps through, transforming it into the profanely spectacular. The infamous satanic ritual, laden with symbolic decadence, tests the viewer's resolve, making it a cornerstone of the film's bold narrative architecture.

THE ANTICHRIST transcends just being a horror film; it delves into the complexities of human emotion, threading through the performances a rich depth of fear, defiance, and desperation. The supporting cast roots the supernatural elements in a visceral reality, balancing the scales between the otherworldly and the painfully human.

Complementing the visual drama is the haunting score by the iconic Ennio Morricone and Bruno Nicolai, whose compositions pulse through the narrative, enhancing the tension and elevating the film's themes. Their score, a chilling counterpoint to the unfolding horror, adds a layer of sophistication, making the auditory experience as compelling as the visual.

THE ANTICHRIST has a few stumbles, as the pacing occasionally stretches itself to the extremes, particularly during its slow-burning setup, which might challenge the patience of viewers not accustomed to the deliberate build of tension typical of Italian cinema. Moreover, while the film employs some well-worn genre tropes like the dramatic exorcism finale, De Martino’s directorial style ensures these elements are reimagined with a fresh perspective that keeps the audience gripped.

To merely label THE ANTICHRIST as an Italian rendition of a famous American film would be to overlook its profound exploration of complex themes. The film is a deep dive into the murky waters of morality, redemption, and the eternal battle between light and dark. It juxtaposes introspection against the backdrop of excess, offering a narrative layered with meaning.

THE ANTICHRIST is a standout narrative that marries Italian cinematic craftsmanship with the timeless allure of psychological and mystical exploration. It is a compelling invite to those drawn to the macabre, served with a side of dramatic flair and introspective depth, making it a worthwhile journey for anyone who values a film that provokes as much as it terrifies.

Product Extras:
Audio Commentary by Author/Film Historian Lee Gambin and Film Critic Sally Christie
Raising Hell: Featurette with Director/Co-Writer Alberto De Martino and Composer Ennio Morricone
TV Spot
THE TEMPTER Opening Credits
Includes English and Italian 2.0 Audio
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]

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