In my review of Graduation Day, I talked about filmmaker Herb Freed’s history as a rabbi turned movie director. As previously mentioned, Freed met producer David Baughn and started a partnership making horror films in the early 1980s. Not only was horror the cheapest genre of film to make, but it was also the most profitable. After directing Haunts in 1976, Freed wanted to make a more spiritually driven horror film, given his religious background. Baughn managed to acquire a small budget, and the shooting began in the Philippines in August 1979. Freed worked with co-writer Paul Ross, whose credits included Kitty Can’t Help It and Journey Into The Beyond in 1975. While working on the film, Baughn told Freed, “You know, this isn’t just evil. This is beyond evil.” That comment stuck with Freed, so the film hit theaters as Beyond Evil in May 1980.
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Rating
Synopsis
Architect Larry Andrews (John Saxon) and his wife Barbara (Lynda Day George) are moving into a condominium in the Philippines. Upon arrival, they’re greeted by Larry’s business partner Del (Michael Dante), who Barbara suspects is using her husband. It turns out she’s not far off as Del has them staying at a supposedly haunted mansion. According to local legend, Alma Martin (Janice Lynde) and her husband Esteban (Zitto Kazann) killed themselves inside the estate. Strange things start happening as Barbara has visions of a woman and even stabs her hand uncontrollably. Some locals, including Dr. Solomon (David Opatoshu), warn Larry that Alma’s spirit is trying to possess Barbara’s body. Despite Larry’s insistence on leaving, Barbara refuses, and soon Del and Solomon’s daughter Leia (Anne Marisse) wind up dead. Will Larry be able to save his wife and marriage, or will Alma’s vengeful spirit consume Barbara?
Review
Compared to Graduation Day, Beyond Evil isn’t as memorable or entertaining, but plenty is going for it. For one, the cast does a great job, with Saxon and George as the highlights. Saxon offers the same cool and calculated demeanor he brings to every other role he’s played. Like in Pieces, George is pretty decent, but she has moments where she amps it up and chews up the scenery. Michael Dante is alright as Saxon’s colleague/friend, but he doesn’t do much until 2/3 of the way through. Freed manages to inject plenty of mood and atmosphere with his use of shadows, colored lighting, and fog. As always, Pino Donaggio’s score elevates the movie by adding a mix of orchestral and synth styles. Unfortunately, for all the film has going for it, the whole thing feels lackluster, though not without some merits.
The biggest problem with the film is its sluggish pace, making it a chore to watch. Some creepy stuff happens here and there, but it’s primarily a marriage drama that does play into the movie. Considering the ghost that possessed Barbara was a woman who killed her husband, there are parallels between the two. As I said, the actors help make it enjoyable, but the script doesn’t give them much to work with. It’s not until about halfway through that things start to get interesting as tons of crazy stuff starts happening. Supposedly, part of the film’s incomprehensibility was due to a series of reshoots done because MGM ruined the original negative. This would explain some of the hokey optical effects, which add a bit of campy charm to the movie. Overall, Beyond Evil has plenty to offer, but it’s a case of the parts being greater than the sum.
Buy Beyond Evil from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BivdGo.
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