The Being 1983
Movie - Review & Info

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Film Review:

This is one of those films that you remember seeing everywhere as a kid, searching the VHS parlours of the home town, but never quite got around to watching. It was only recently I picked up a copy of this on Ebay, to satisfy that nagging doubt that I might have missed something special all these years. The cast list has a couple of luminaries in the form of Mel Ferrer and Martin Landau, always a good sign one thinks. But, what you want to know is, is it worth a rental?

Well, that depends what you're after. If its a whizzbang roller coaster with strange monsters and exploding limbs galore, then move on please, nothing to see here. It's a 15 certificate for starters, and a hardcore 15 from back in the days when a 15 rating by the BBFC meant you get a PG film with a swear word and half a breast thrown in.

However, if you'd enjoy a nicely crafted, slowly paced and slowly building, toxic monster story with more than a nod to 50s classics and good old fashioned keep 'em guessing horror, then this could be for you. There are some lovely shots in the film, when you can see 'em.

Here in lies a major problem with this film. Its dark as hell. At least the video is. I spent large sections of the film wondering what the hell was going on. Not that the plot was hard to follow, it was just so murky I couldn't make bugger all out. Maybe the budget didn't stretch to much else than rudimentary lighting.

That said though, there are one or two thrills and little twists to keep you engaged - and Martin Landau is always watchable. The monster is unremarkable, the 'surprise' ending isn't much of one and there are lots of flaws and dopey plot holes to keep you cursing. But there's also a fair bit of charm and fun to be had here - if you can make out what the hell is going on!

Also Known As:
Easter Sunday
Freak
The Pottsville Horror